Britannica AI Icon

functional language

computer language

Quick Summary

Functional languages are a type of declarative programming language where programs are built by applying functions to arguments. Unlike procedural languages that specify how to do something, declarative languages focus on what needs to be done. Functional languages, such as LISP, ML, and Haskell, are used in areas like automated mathematical theorem proving and language development research. They offer a mathematical style of programming and are considered very high-level languages.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.