Which of the following statements best describes a higher-order function in functional programming?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

First, restating the core idea helps frame the evaluation: a higher-order function in functional programming is defined by its ability to operate on functions either by taking them as arguments, returning them as results, or both.
Option 1: 'A higher-order function is a function that operates exclusively only on simple numerical data.' This is incorrect because higher-order functions are characterized by their relationship to functions, not by restricting input to simple numbers. In fact, higher-order functions often manipulate or produce other functions, not just numerical values.
Option 2: 'A higher-order function is any function that modifies its input values directly.' This statement confuses data transformation with the special capability related to functions as first-class citizens. Modifying inputs directly is not what defines a higher-order function; the key trait is handling functions as data, not merely changing values.
Option 3: 'A higher-order function can take functions as arguments, or return a function as a result, or both.' This matches the formal definition: it captures both possible roles—accepting functions as parameters and producing functions as outputs—highlighting the dual capability that characterizes higher-order functions.
Option 4: 'A higher-order function is one that performs recursion instead of iteration to solve any given problem.' This mixes recursion with iteration, and recursion does not define a higher-order function. A function can be higher-order without using recursion, and not every recursive function is higher-order.
In summary, the distinguishing feature hinges on the treatment of functions as values: only option 3 accurately describes the hallmark of higher-order functions by acknowledging that they can take functions as arguments, return functions, or both, while the other options misstate the core concept by focusing on data types, input modification, or recursion inappropriately.

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

Which of the following statements best describes a higher-order function in functional programming?

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