What is a pure function in JavaScript?
A function that given the same input always returns the same output and has no side effects (does not modify external state, does not read mutable external state). Pure functions are easy to test and reason about.
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More FAQs in Functional Programming in JavaScript: The Basics
A style based on pure functions (no side effects), immutability (return new copies, do not mutate), function composition (chain small functions), and declarative style (describe what, not how). JS supports it because functions are first-class.
Use spread to create new arrays/objects instead of mutating: [...arr, 4] instead of arr.push(4); { ...obj, x: 2 } instead of obj.x = 2. Use libraries like Immer or Immutable.js for complex state.
Chaining small functions into a pipeline. compose(f, g)(x) = f(g(x)). Each function's output is the next function's input. This lets you build complex behavior from simple, reusable functions.
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