Pipeline Operator

The pipeline operator is a programming language feature that allows chaining function calls in a readable, left-to-right manner, often using a symbol like '|>' or '|'. It transforms nested function calls into a linear sequence, improving code clarity by making data flow explicit. This operator is commonly found in functional programming languages and has been adopted in various modern languages to simplify complex expressions.

Also known as: Pipe operator, |> operator, Pipe syntax, Forward pipe, Data pipeline

Why learn Pipeline Operator?

Developers should learn the pipeline operator when working in languages that support it (e.g., Elixir, F#, JavaScript with proposals) to write cleaner, more maintainable code, especially in data transformation pipelines or functional programming contexts. It reduces nesting and makes code easier to debug by clearly showing the step-by-step flow of data through multiple functions.

Learning Resources

• docs: MDN Web Docs: Pipeline Operator
• tutorial: Elixir School: Pipe Operator
• tutorial: F# for Fun and Profit: The Pipe Operator
• docs: JavaScript Pipeline Operator Proposal
• video: YouTube: Understanding the Pipeline Operator in Programming