Immutable Functions vs Mutable Functions
Developers should learn and use immutable functions when building applications that require high reliability, such as in concurrent or distributed systems, where state changes can lead to bugs and race conditions meets developers should learn about mutable functions when working in dynamic languages like javascript, python, or lisp, where they enable flexible and adaptive code structures, such as in metaprogramming, decorators, or runtime patching. Here's our take.
Immutable Functions
Developers should learn and use immutable functions when building applications that require high reliability, such as in concurrent or distributed systems, where state changes can lead to bugs and race conditions
Immutable Functions
Nice PickDevelopers should learn and use immutable functions when building applications that require high reliability, such as in concurrent or distributed systems, where state changes can lead to bugs and race conditions
Pros
- +They are particularly valuable in functional programming languages like Haskell or in frameworks like React for state management, as they simplify debugging and reasoning about code behavior by eliminating hidden dependencies
- +Related to: functional-programming, immutability
Cons
- -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case
Mutable Functions
Developers should learn about mutable functions when working in dynamic languages like JavaScript, Python, or Lisp, where they enable flexible and adaptive code structures, such as in metaprogramming, decorators, or runtime patching
Pros
- +They are useful for scenarios like hot-reloading in development, implementing plugins or extensions, and creating higher-order functions that modify behavior based on context, but caution is needed to avoid unintended side effects and maintain code predictability
- +Related to: functional-programming, first-class-functions
Cons
- -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case
The Verdict
Use Immutable Functions if: You want they are particularly valuable in functional programming languages like haskell or in frameworks like react for state management, as they simplify debugging and reasoning about code behavior by eliminating hidden dependencies and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.
Use Mutable Functions if: You prioritize they are useful for scenarios like hot-reloading in development, implementing plugins or extensions, and creating higher-order functions that modify behavior based on context, but caution is needed to avoid unintended side effects and maintain code predictability over what Immutable Functions offers.
Developers should learn and use immutable functions when building applications that require high reliability, such as in concurrent or distributed systems, where state changes can lead to bugs and race conditions
Disagree with our pick? nice@nicepick.dev