In python lambda expression is fast or the normal function?

Question

Can Anyone explain which is faster? What are the advantages or disadvantages of using lambda?

Answer 1

Let's create very simple functions; one as a normal Python function and one using lambda.

# Lambda Function
foo = lambda x: x

# Normal Python function
def bar(x):
    return x

Now compare the execution time of both the functions using timeit module:

>>> import timeit

# `timeit` measurement of Lambda function
>>> timeit.timeit("foo(123)", setup="from __main__ import foo")
0.0789480209350586

# `timeit` measurement of Normal Python function
>>> timeit.timeit("bar(123)", setup="from __main__ import bar")
0.07846808433532715

As you see, execution time of both the function is almost same.