Explain the concept of lambda functions in Python. How are they used for creating anonymous functions?

Lambda functions, also known as anonymous functions, are a concise way to create small, one-line functions without a formal function definition. In Python, lambda functions are created using the lambda keyword and are typically used in situations where a small, inline function is required.

The syntax of a lambda function is as follows:

```
python`lambda arguments: expression`
```
The lambda function takes a list of arguments, followed by a colon, and then an expression that is evaluated and returned as the result.

Here's an example of a lambda function that adds two numbers:

```
python`add = lambda x, y: x + y`
```
In this example, the lambda function takes two arguments `x` and `y` and returns their sum. The lambda function can be assigned to a variable (`add` in this case) and used like a regular function.

Lambda functions are often used in situations where a small function is needed as a parameter to another function, such as `map()`, `filter()`, or `sort()`. Instead of defining a separate named function, a lambda function can be created inline, reducing the need for defining functions separately.

Here's an example using `map()` and a lambda function to square a list of numbers:

```
python`numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
squared = list(map(lambda x: x 2, numbers))
print(squared)`
```
Output:

```
csharp`[1, 4, 9, 16, 25]`
```
In this example, the lambda function takes each number from the `numbers` list, squares it, and returns the result. The `map()` function applies this lambda function to each element of the `numbers` list, resulting in a new list `squared` with the squared values.

Lambda functions are particularly useful in scenarios where a simple function is needed for a short period of time and defining a separate named function would be unnecessary and add extra code.

However, it's important to note that lambda functions are limited in terms of their complexity. They are designed for simple, concise expressions and cannot contain statements or multiple lines of code. For more complex functions, it's recommended to use regular named functions for better readability and maintainability.

In summary, lambda functions in Python provide a way to create small, anonymous functions without the need for formal function definitions. They are often used in situations where a simple function is required for a short period of time or as a parameter to higher-order functions. Lambda functions are concise and can improve code readability by avoiding the need to define separate named functions for small tasks.