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A practical dictionary of 512 AI, machine learning, mathematics, and programming terms from HerbDev’s AI Vocabulary app. Start with a definition, explore an example, then follow the concepts behind it.

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Higher-Order Function

Functions & Programming Concepts · Level 2 of 5

Higher-Order Function

A function that accepts functions as inputs or returns a function.

Functions can be manipulated as values to compose behavior.

Example

A sorting routine receives a callable that extracts each item's key.

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Audio transcript

Higher-Order Function. A function that accepts functions as inputs or returns a function. Functions can be manipulated as values to compose behavior. For example: A sorting routine receives a callable that extracts each item's key.

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This helps you distinguish a computation’s contract, inputs, outputs, and behavior.

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