C# 0 The Complete Reference

The Lambda Operator

All lambda expressions use the new 

lambda operator,

 which is 

=>

. This operator divides 

a lambda expression into two parts. On the left the input parameter (or parameters) is 

specified. On the right is the lambda body. The 

=>

 operator is sometimes verbalized as 

“goes to” or “becomes.”

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C# supports two types of lambda expressions, and it is the lambda body that determines 

what type is being created. If the lambda body consists of a single expression, then an 

expression lambda

 is being created. In this case, the body is free-standing—it is not enclosed 

between braces. If the lambda body consists of a block of statements enclosed by braces, 

then a 

statement lambda

 is being created. A statement lambda can contain multiple statements 

and include such things as loops, method calls, and 

if

 statements. The following sections 

describe both kinds of lambdas.