Lambda. In VB.NET a lambda expression is used to specify a function. With lambda syntax, we pass Functions as arguments, creating complex behaviors.
Higher-order procedures are functions passed as arguments. Lambdas are higher-order procedures. For lambdas, the VB.NET language has a special syntax form.
Sort example. To demonstrate lambda syntax in VB.NET, we use a lambda as an argument to Array.Sort. Array.Sort() requires a Comparison method (which can be specified as a lambda).
Module Module1
Sub Main()
Dim items() As String = {"cat", "mouse", "lion"}
' Use lambda expression to specify Comparison for Array.Sort.
Array.Sort(items, Function(a As String, b As String)
Return a.Length.CompareTo(b.Length)
End Function)
' Loop over sorted array.
For Each item As String In items
Console.WriteLine(item)
Next
End Sub
End Modulecat
lion
mouse
AddressOf. Lambda expression syntax is not always required. And sometimes it is clearer, and simpler, to use the AddressOf operator. We can reference a Function by name with AddressOf.
And We can use an AddressOf-based expression anywhere a lambda expression might be used.
Detail Here I use FindIndex, part of the List class, with an AddressOf reference to an Odd() function.
Module Module1
Function Odd(ByVal value As Integer) As Boolean
' Return true if not even number.
Return Not value Mod 2 = 0
End Function
Sub Main()
Dim values As List(Of Integer) = New List(Of Integer)
values.Add(10)
values.Add(13)
values.Add(20)
' Find first odd number's index.
Dim i As Integer = values.FindIndex(AddressOf Odd)
Console.WriteLine(i)
End Sub
End Module1
Func, 1 argument. Here we see the first lambda expression. The local variable Func (func1) is assigned to a lambda that receives one Integer and returns an Integer.
Tip The lambda expressions are found after the equals sign and start with the Function or Sub keywords.
Info A Function is a method that returns a value. In contrast a Sub returns no value.
Module Module1
Sub Main()
' Lambda expression that receives Integer, returns Integer.
Dim func1 As Func(Of Integer, Integer) =
Function(value As Integer)
Return value + 1
End Function
' Use Func.
Console.WriteLine(func1.Invoke(4))
End Sub
End Module5
Func, 2 arguments. This second example is similar to the first one, but a bit more complex. The lambda (func2) receives two Integers and also returns an Integer.
Module Module1
Sub Main()
' Lambda expression that receives two Integers, returns Integer.
Dim func2 As Func(Of Integer, Integer, Integer) =
Function(value As Integer, value2 As Integer)
Return value * value2
End Function
' Use the function.
Console.WriteLine(func2.Invoke(2, 3))
End Sub
End Module6
Func, simple syntax. Here we see the third lambda. This lambda (func3) uses the abbreviated syntax. Here we omit the type of the formal parameter and the End Function statement.
Module Module1
Sub Main()
' Lambda expression that receives Integer, returns String.' ... Short syntax.
Dim func3 As Func(Of Integer, String) = Function(x) (x + 1).ToString()
' Call the lambda.
Console.WriteLine(func3.Invoke(3))
End Sub
End Module4
Action. An Action, like a Sub, returns no value. Here we see the final lambda. We see the full syntax for a Sub() lambda expression. We can use parameters or abbreviated syntax.
Module Module1
Sub Main()
' Lambda expression that returns void.
Dim action1 As Action =
Sub()
Console.WriteLine("action1")
End Sub
' Use Action instance.
action1.Invoke()
End Sub
End Moduleaction1
Concepts. There is no low-level difference between lambda expressions and regular Functions that are assigned with AddressOf. Lambda expressions thus are syntactic sugar.
Tip They are a special syntax form in the VB.NET language. They allow us to write more concise, clearer programs.
Detail Lambda expressions can be used as arguments to List methods (Sort, Find).
Lambda expressions are used throughout many new VB.NET programs. They are important for using a List's searching methods. They also help when sorting in nontrivial ways.
LINQ. Lambdas are also essential for many LINQ methods. Lambdas are useful for implementing delegates. They fill many important requirements.
Dot Net Perls is a collection of tested code examples. Pages are continually updated to stay current, with code correctness a top priority.
Sam Allen is passionate about computer languages. In the past, his work has been recommended by Apple and Microsoft and he has studied computers at a selective university in the United States.
This page was last updated on Dec 30, 2023 (edit link).
