Learning F# Functional Data Structures and Algorithms

Sorting lazily

The functional feature of lazy computations in F# allows for delayed evaluations, that is, only compute when needed. This feature improves performance and prevents excessive computations when not needed:

let identifier = lazy ( expression )

The lazy identifier in the preceding code delays the evaluation of an expression or contained code segment. Let's explain this with a simple example as seen in the following screenshot:

When the lazy keyword is used, the expression is not evaluated immediately; the computation happens only when requested. This is not the case with a non-lazy expression where the value was calculated and printed right ...