Basics
Elixir Loops
Loop Constructs
Elixir loops use recursion or Enum with for comprehensions.
Introduction to Elixir Loops
In Elixir, loops are not implemented in the traditional sense as seen in imperative languages like C or Java. Instead, Elixir relies on recursion and the powerful features of the Enum module and for comprehensions to achieve looping behavior.
Using Recursion for Loops
Recursion is a fundamental concept in functional programming and is heavily used in Elixir to perform repetitive tasks. A recursive function calls itself with different arguments until a base condition is met.
Here's an example of using recursion to sum the elements of a list:
Looping with Enum Module
The Enum module provides a set of algorithms for working with enumerables, such as lists and maps. It offers a more declarative approach to looping. Here is how you might sum a list using Enum.reduce/3:
For Comprehensions
For comprehensions provide a concise syntax for generating lists based on existing enumerables. They are particularly useful for transforming data or filtering. Here is an example that doubles each element in a list:
When to Use Each Approach
Choosing between recursion, Enum, and for comprehensions depends on the problem at hand:
- Recursion: Use when you need fine-grained control over the looping process.
- Enum: Ideal for standard list operations like mapping, reducing, and filtering.
- For Comprehensions: Best for transformations and filtering with concise syntax.
