Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
Why This Function is Used
3.
Syntax, Parameter and Return Value
3.1.
Syntax: 
3.2.
Parameters:
3.3.
Return Value:
4.
Examples 
5.
Flipping Arguments of a Simple Function:
5.1.
JavaScript
5.2.
Using Flip in String Operations:
5.3.
JavaScript
6.
Flipping with Higher Order Functions:
6.1.
JavaScript
7.
Using Flip in Event Handlers:
7.1.
JavaScript
8.
Frequently Asked Questions 
8.1.
What is a common use case for _.flip()?
8.2.
Does _.flip() work with functions that have more than two arguments?
8.3.
Is the flipped function permanently altered?
9.
Conclusion
Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024
Easy

Lodash _.flip() Method

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Introduction

Function argument manipulation is a subtle yet powerful tool in functional programming. Lodash provides the _.flip() method to enhance this capability in JavaScript. This method creates a function that invokes the original function with arguments reversed. By flipping the argument order, _.flip() offers an interesting way to repurpose existing functions for new use cases. 

Lodash _.flip() Method

This article will discuss the _.flip() method, its applications, syntax, and benefits, illustrated through examples and FAQs.

Why This Function is Used

The _.flip() function is used to reverse the order of arguments passed to a function. This is particularly useful when the order of arguments in a function matters for its execution, and you need to adjust the function to fit into a new context or use case without rewriting the original function. It is a helpful tool in functional programming paradigms, allowing for more flexible function composition and argument handling.

Syntax, Parameter and Return Value

Syntax: 

_.flip(func)

Parameters:

func (Function): The function to flip arguments for.

Return Value:

 (Function) - Returns the new function with flipped arguments.

Examples 

Flipping Arguments of a Simple Function:

  • JavaScript

JavaScript

var _ = require('lodash');

function subtract(a, b) {

 return a - b;

}

var flippedSubtract = _.flip(subtract);

console.log(flippedSubtract(1, 2));
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Output: 

1 (2 - 1)


Demonstrates flipping the order of subtraction.

Using Flip in String Operations:

  • JavaScript

JavaScript

function append(str1, str2) {

 return str1 + str2;

}

var flippedAppend = _.flip(append);

console.log(flippedAppend('World', 'Hello '));
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Output: 

'Hello World'

Shows flipping arguments to change the order of string concatenation.

Flipping with Higher Order Functions:

  • JavaScript

JavaScript

function divide(dividend, divisor) {

 return dividend / divisor;

}

var flippedDivide = _.flip(divide);

console.log(flippedDivide(2, 10));
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Output:

5 (10 / 2)


An example of flipping arguments in a division function.

Using Flip in Event Handlers:

  • JavaScript

JavaScript

function handleEvent(element, event) {

 console.log('Event:', event.type, 'on element:', element.id);

}

var flippedHandler = _.flip(handleEvent);

var button = document.getElementById('myButton');

button.addEventListener('click', event => flippedHandler(button, event));
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// On click: Logs event type and button's id in reversed order.

Demonstrates using _.flip() to reverse argument order in an event handler.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is a common use case for _.flip()?

A common use case for _.flip() is in functional programming where the order of arguments needs to be adjusted for functions to be composed or used as callbacks.

Does _.flip() work with functions that have more than two arguments?

Yes, _.flip() reverses the order of all arguments, regardless of how many the original function accepts.

Is the flipped function permanently altered?

No, _.flip() creates a new function without altering the original. The original function remains unchanged and can be used in its standard form elsewhere.

Conclusion

Lodash's _.flip() method offers a unique and functional way to reverse the order of arguments passed to a function. This enhances the versatility of existing functions, making them adaptable to new contexts and requirements without modifying their core logic.

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