Lambda functions are a powerful feature in programming that provide a way to create small, anonymous functions without having to name them. These functions are particularly useful when you need a simple function for a short period and don’t want to define a full function with a name. Essentially, lambda functions allow you to write concise code and are often used in situations where functions are used as arguments to other functions, like in map or filter operations.

In essence, lambda functions enable you to define operations in a streamlined manner, making your code more readable and focused. They are especially common in functional programming paradigms, where functions are first-class citizens and are used as building blocks for more complex operations. Their compact syntax is advantageous in scenarios where a full function definition might seem unnecessarily verbose.