lispref.info: Lambda Expressions

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Lambda Expressions
==================

   A function written in Lisp is a list that looks like this:

     (lambda (ARG-VARIABLES...)
       [DOCUMENTATION-STRING]
       [INTERACTIVE-DECLARATION]
       BODY-FORMS...)

Such a list is called a "lambda expression".  In XEmacs Lisp, it
actually is valid as an expression--it evaluates to itself.  In some
other Lisp dialects, a lambda expression is not a valid expression at
all.  In either case, its main use is not to be evaluated as an
expression, but to be called as a function.

Lambda Components

The parts of a lambda expression.

Simple Lambda

A simple example.

Argument List

Details and special features of argument lists.

Function Documentation

How to put documentation in a function.