Map, Reduce and Filter Operations in Python

In this tutorial, we will learn about 3 inbuilt functions in Python. These functions are very versatile. They frequently used in Python language to keep the code more readable and better. So let’s learn Map, Reduce and Filter Operations in Python with examples.

Map Function in Python

The map function is for the transformation of values in a given sequence. This is done with the help of functions. It takes exactly two input arguments namely:
1. iterable object to proceed
2. the function object

Syntax: result = map(function , iterable object)

The function argument may be defined via:

the conventional method
the help of lambda expression.

Syntax: lambda arguments : expression

Illustration for “lambda” function

# program to use lambda function 
# we are making a function to calculate the square of a number 

square= lambda x: x**2
print(square(7))

Output: 49

Source Code: Map Function

# how to implement map function
# here we are defining the function with the help of lambda expression as discussed in the above example 

lst=["7","9","5","2","0"]

# defining function within arguments 
print(map(lambda( y: y ** 2, lst))

# using function object as argument
print(map(square, lst))

Output: 
[49,81,25,4,0]
[49,81,25,4,0]

In this example, we are able to implement how to use map function which allows us to make a list with the help of function object and list of input values.

Reduce Function in Python

This function is available in the inbuilt module functools. It takes exactly two arguments
1. an iterable object
2. a function object

Source Code: Reduce Function

Suppose we wish to compute the sum of squares of numbers in a list. This involves the repetitive addition of two terms together in a file by using the iterative approach. By the help of reduce function, we can reduce the time of computation by performing additions in a parallel environment.

# how to implement reduce function in Python 3.x. or earlier 
import functools as ft

cubes=list(map(lambda( x: x ** 3,lst ))

sum_cubes=ft.reduce(lambda x,y : x + y,cubes)
print(sum_cubes)

Output: 225

Filter Function in Python

This function allows us to filter out elements in a list satisfying the given set of constraints or conditions. Suppose we wish to calculate the sum of cubes which are even then we can take the help of filter function. The function takes totally two arguments :
1. a function object
2. an iterable object

Source Code: Filter Function

# demonstration of filter function in Python 3.x. or earlier

evencubes=list(filter(lambda x: x%2==0,cubes))
print(evencubes)

Output: [8,64]

We hope you have got a clear concept of Map, Reduce and Filter Operations in Python.

Also, learn
how to find the position of an element in a list in Python
Select a random item from a list in Python