REST APIs with Flask and Python - First-Class Functions

This video tutorial introduces the concept of first class functions in Python, explaining that functions can be treated as variables and passed as arguments to other functions. It demonstrates this with examples, including a calculate function and a search function. The tutorial also covers the use of lambda functions and built-in functions like itemgetter, highlighting their utility in Python programming.

What is a key characteristic of first class functions in Python?

• They can only be used as standalone functions.

• They cannot be passed as arguments to other functions.

• They can be treated as variables and passed as arguments.

• They must always return a value.

In the 'calculate' function, what role does the 'operator' parameter play?

• It is a list of numbers to be calculated.

• It is a string that specifies the operation.

• It is a constant value used in calculations.

• It is a function passed as an argument to perform operations.

What error might occur if too many arguments are passed to the 'calculate' function?

• ValueError

• IndexError

• TypeError

• SyntaxError

What is the purpose of the 'search' function in the example?

• To calculate the sum of a list of numbers.

• To sort a list of elements alphabetically.

• To find a specific element in a sequence using a function.

• To filter out elements that do not match a condition.

What happens if the 'search' function does not find the expected element?

• It returns None.

• It returns an empty list.

• It raises a RuntimeError.

• It continues searching indefinitely.

How can lambda functions be used in place of regular functions?

• They are only used for mathematical operations.

• They must be defined at the start of a script.

• They cannot be used in place of regular functions.

• They can be used to define small, anonymous functions inline.

What is the advantage of using 'itemgetter' from the operator module?

• It simplifies the process of accessing object properties.

• It is faster than using lambda functions.

• It can only be used with dictionaries.

• It automatically sorts the elements.