What is Functional Programming?: Think in Functions, Not States

05/11/2025 16 min

Listen "What is Functional Programming?: Think in Functions, Not States"

Episode Synopsis

Code can follow two philosophies:Tell the computer how to do things step by step (OOP)…or tell it what you want and let pure functions rule (FP).Functional Programming flips the traditional mindset:• No shared state• No mutation• No hidden surprises, no sneaky side effects• Output = purely the input you give• Logic = broken into small reusable “math-like” functions• Recursion replaces loops, expressions replace instructionsWhen every function behaves like a perfect citizen,testability skyrockets.Bugs lose their favorite hiding spots.In this episode, we dive into:• Pure vs. Impure functions• Immutability and referential transparency• Higher-order functions, closures & function composition• Why concurrency loves FP• The practical tension between FP and OOP• Real examples to shift your thinking instantlyIt’s programming, but… philosophical.You stop wrestling with the machine and start working with ideas.🎯 If clean logic and quality products excite you:My book shares the same obsession:📚 Kill All Bugs: Learn Software Testing in 1 Day🔗 https://testingin1day.comMake software that behaves.Not software you have to babysit.