Question

Does Python have a function equivalent to scheme’s apply? I notice that Python’s reduce works on functions of two arguments, and applied it recursively, which is very different.

Should I write my own? Is there some module I’m missing?

Answer 1

Python’s equivalent to Scheme’s apply is to use * and/or ** prefixes on the arguments.

For example:

>>> my_list = [1, 2]
>>> operator.add(*my_list)
3

The * prefix is used on a sequence for positional arguments and the ** prefix is used on a dictionary for keyword arguments. (This mirrors their usage in formal parameter declarations.)