"You cannot use iteration constructs (for, while, do-while) in a purely functional programming language. (ex: Haskell)"
True or False?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The statement presented asks whether iteration constructs like for, while, or do-while cannot be used in a purely functional language such as Haskell. 
Option 1: True. If you interpret the statement literally, this would claim that iteration constructs are impossible in a purely functional language. However, in languages like Haskell, there are no built-in imperative looping constructs of that form. Instead, iteration is accomplished through recursion and through higher-order abstractions like map, fold, and scan, which achieve repeated application of functions without explicit mutation. Therefore, labeling the statement as true would be incorrect. 
Option 2: False. This option correctly reflects the reality that you can express iterative behavior in functional languages through recursion and reusable combinators (e.g., foldl, foldr, map). Although these are not the same as imperative loops, they implement iteration in a pure functional style, preserving referential transparency. This makes the presented claim false.
In summary, the core misunderstanding in the statement is the idea that iteration is unavailable in purely functional languages; in fact, iteration exists conceptually via recursion and folds, just not via traditional imperative loop keywords. The correct characterization is that you can express iteration without mutating state, which is exactly what functional patterns enable in languages like Haskell.

CPT_S-355-PULLM-1-LEC Scheduled Quiz 1

"You cannot use iteration constructs (for, while, do-while) in a purely functional programming language. (ex: Haskell)" True or False?

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