Forum Discussion
Is it possible to define a function with no argument by LAMBDA?
In Excel, we have functions with no argument such as PI(), RAND(), NOW().
However, it seems that we cannot define such a function by LAMBDA.
I tried in a cell `=LAMBDA(,4)()` (and expected 4 as return value), it raised a warning "You've entered too few arguments for this function".
Why cannot we define a function with no argument by LAMBDA?
Yes, it seems to be possible. e.g. given a named reference 'x'
=LAMBDA(x+1)()
returns x+1.
=LAMBDA(x+1)
returns a #CALC! error.
If you name the Lambda function INCx then the same results are obtained for
=INCx()
and
=INCx
respectively. I think I have read of such functions being referred to as 'thunks' and would be used to pass a resource-intensive operation as a parameter without evaluating it before the result is needed.
The possibility of defining and testing for an optional parameter is being rolled out.
5 Replies
Tie CHENG You can actually do it just like you wanted, you just have to type the result directly, this means that:
=LAMBDA(4)() does return 4, and if you attach a parameter to it, it returns #VALUE
With latest lambdas edition your sample could be like
=LAMBDA([x],4)()which returns 4. You have no arguments but have optional parameter.
- Good to know... Thank you...
Yes, it seems to be possible. e.g. given a named reference 'x'
=LAMBDA(x+1)()
returns x+1.
=LAMBDA(x+1)
returns a #CALC! error.
If you name the Lambda function INCx then the same results are obtained for
=INCx()
and
=INCx
respectively. I think I have read of such functions being referred to as 'thunks' and would be used to pass a resource-intensive operation as a parameter without evaluating it before the result is needed.
The possibility of defining and testing for an optional parameter is being rolled out.
- Indeed, it is possible, thank you.
