Currying, known in Python land as partial application, is a technique in which a function taking multiple arguments composes a function that takes fewer arguments (in most languages, reducing to one, although this is not the case in Python) by partially applying it to given parameters. For example, a function, sum, might be used to compose a new function called "plus_one" by currying it with the value of one. The composed function is not evaluated; it is returned as a function object which may then be applied to other parameters. Read More...

Not long ago a project required me to learn a little Java. As a long-time elitist functional programmer, I was not extremely excited. Due to the low quality of Java software I have used, I assumed, like many, that Java produced slow, bloated, and buggy software. Some languages just feel clunky. My previous experience with Java was as a much less experienced programmer. My experience this time around, however, was more positive. Read More...

A recent post on the newLISP forum suggested that it would be helpful to have a short primer on the basics of functional programming for the imperative programmer coming to newLISP (although this also applies to other Lisps). Read More...