What is the purpose of a lambda function in Python?

I am new to Python and have heard about lambda functions. Can someone explain what they are used for and how to use them effectively?

A lambda function in Python is an anonymous function, meaning it has no name. It is often used as a shortcut for writing simple, one-line functions. You can use them to perform operations on an iterable, sort data, or filter data. It can also be used as a callback function for sorting or filtering methods. To use a lambda function, you can define it using the 'lambda' keyword and assign it to a variable or pass it directly to a sorting or filtering function.

Lambda functions are especially useful when working with lists or dictionaries, as they can be passed as a key function. This allows you to customize the sorting or filtering of your data. Another use for lambda functions is as an argument in higher-order functions, which take other functions as arguments. This allows you to create concise and readable code.

In addition to their functional use, lambda functions can also be used for debugging purposes. By wrapping your code in a lambda function, you can easily identify and isolate any errors or bugs in your code. They can also be useful in cases where you need to perform a small, one-time operation and don't want to create a named function for it.