Power Tools: LINQ & Lambdas

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Lambdas — compact inline functions

A lambda expression is a compact way to write a small, unnamed function inline, right where you need it. The syntax parameters => expression reads as "given these parameters, produce this expression's value" — n => n * n means "given n, return n times n".

Assigning a lambda to a variable of type Func<TInput, TOutput> lets you call it exactly like a regular method afterward. Func<int, int> square = n => n * n; declares square as a function that takes an int and returns an int, and square(6) calls it just like any named method would be called.