Functional JavaScript: A Beginner’s Guide to a New Way of Thinking

Understand This Core Programming Paradigm Through Simple Examples

Photo by HS Spender on Unsplash

Functional programming has exploded in popularity across many languages, including JavaScript. But getting started with this paradigm can be daunting for developers more comfortable with object-oriented code.

In this beginner JavaScript tutorial, we’ll gently introduce core functional programming principles with easy-to-grok examples. Read on to open your mind to a whole new way of coding!

What is Functional Programming?

Functional programming emphasizes writing software by combining simple, pure functions that avoid shared state and mutable data. The key ideas:

1. Functions are independent and reusable blocks of logic not tied to external state
2. Data flows through pipelines of functions that transform values without side effects

This differs greatly from traditional object-oriented style, which focuses on modifying objects and their properties over time.

Let’s explore some functional coding basics in JavaScript to grasp these central concepts!

Writing Pure Functions