7 Advantages and Disadvantages of Functional Programming | Drawbacks & Benefits of Functional Programming

 

Functional programming is a paradigm for writing computer programs that is based on mathematical ideas and compares functions. Put another way, function calls are used to carry out the program. It is entirely distinct from the idea of imperative programming, in which the processor receives instructions to carry out the program.

There are two categories of functional programming languages based on the paradigms and styles that they offer. The two types of functional languages are those of Pure and Impure. Functional paradigms serve as the foundation for all pure functional languages. 

 

On the other hand, imperative styles and functional paradigms are supported by impure functional languages.
Up until the development of object-oriented programming (OOP), functional programming was the primary programming concept used by software businesses. It has been in operation for a number of years. 

 

Nonetheless, because of its testing and predictability features, functional programming is still preferred by many. Functional programming is compatible with a variety of contemporary programming languages, including Haskell, Scala, JavaScript, Racket, ML, and Lisp.

Functional programming is a popular option for programmers due to its proficiency in handling intricate computational tasks. Elevated levels of abstraction are also feasible. Other capabilities include the ability to create pure functions devoid of side effects. We call these kinds of functions deterministic. 

 

You should use functional programming for a number of other reasons. Regretfully, there are instances in which functional programming should not be used. Knowing the key benefits and drawbacks of functional programming is essential for programmers.

I'll be discussing the 7 Advantages and Disadvantages of Functional Programming | Drawbacks & Benefits of Functional Programming. You'll learn about the pros and cons of functional programming from this post.


Now let's get started,

Advantages of Functional Programming

1. Simplicity

Pure functional languages are programming languages that are built on functional concepts. Their exclusive reliance is on the input. Thus, the return value is unquestionably the output. 

 

The function signature makes it simple for programmers to find key information. Additionally, programmers write straightforward code since pure functions produce a clear structure.


2. Scalability

A created application must manage several threads at once. If not, there can be disparities in memory between the threads. A program is considered scalable if it can be precisely read and written by several threads.


3. Code Reusability

An FP program's functions are designed to be reusable. Any situation will allow for its usage. The functions can either be returned as functions or supplied as parameters when needed.


4. Testing & Debugging

Pure functions also make the process of testing and debugging simpler. Pure functions just have input values, which simplifies the process of finding faults. 

 

Additionally, you just have to deal with one specific method when handling errors. Because of this, even novices can improve the accuracy of their application.


5. Readability

The codes in functional programming are simpler than those in imperatives. A programmer spends very little time learning the code structure. Because pure functions don't alter states frequently, values are easier to interpret.


6. Lazy Evaluation

Lazy evaluation is one of the features of functional programming. This guarantees that there are no more evaluations. Just the necessary values are kept on file. 

 

After all the extraneous information required for the queries is removed, the software will eventually operate more quickly.


7. No Side Effects

It is imperative to eliminate all side effects in order to ensure a suitable coding strategy. If not, the same input could yield various results. 

 

A commonly recognized illustration of a side effect is the shared variable. Functional code uses the property of immutability to get around this.

Disadvantages of Functional Programming

1. Performance

Functional programming introduces a new idea called immutability. It is common knowledge that this method produces waste. 

 

As a result, the tasks given will call for a large number of variables, which will ultimately result in decreased performance.


2. Memory Consumption

Although immutable variables do not change the variables that already exist, they do generate a new variable. The issue is troublesome in that all that needs to be done is copy the actual data. 

 

The nested data structure is one illustration of this. The frequency of data copying will result in an even higher memory usage.


3. Tools & Framework Support

The majority of cloud service providers and other services have limitations on the programming language that they accept. 

 

The functional programming community is essentially smaller than that of other programming languages like JavaScript or Java. As a result, only few frameworks and technologies are supported.


4. Loops Compatibility

Loops are not supported in functional programming. Therefore, recursions are the only appropriate approach for iterations. 

 

Regrettably, recursion is a somewhat complex topic, much like mathematics. Particularly for those who are only acquainted with the OOP methodology.


5. Data Duplication

Functional programming also has difficulties when it comes to handling redundant data. One situation like this is while working with data structures. 

 

Functional programming prevents you from updating variables in the aforementioned scenario. Once more, the outcome is a decline in performance.


6. Mathematical Concepts

Mathematics and functional programs make sense together. Functional programming languages contain far too complicated mathematical ideas. 

 

This is among the causes of the frequent refusal of novice developers to learn FP. To understand these ideas, a significant amount of time and work is required.


7. Community Support

We can say that there are less expertise in functional programming languages because the community isn't that big. 

 

In the event that a functional programming issue arises, developers must depend on outside suppliers. These suppliers may now charge a fee for their assistance.