=>
) is a shorthand syntax used to define concise one-line functions or expressions, often referred to as “fat arrow functions.” It provides a compact and readable way to define simple functions and closures.The arrow operator is typically used in two contexts:
int add(int a, int b) => a + b;
In this example, the arrow operator is used to define a function named add
that takes two int
parameters (a
and b
) and returns their sum. The arrow operator eliminates the need for enclosing braces ({}
) and the return
keyword.
FlatButton(
onPressed: () => print(‘Button pressed’),
child: Text(‘Press Me’),
),
In this example, the onPressed
property of a FlatButton
widget is assigned a callback function defined using the arrow operator. When the button is pressed, the function prints a message to the console. Again, the arrow operator helps keep the code concise and readable.
The arrow operator is not limited to Flutter; it is a feature of the Dart programming language, upon which Flutter is built. It promotes brevity and allows developers to write more expressive code in certain scenarios where a full function body or closure is not necessary. However, for more complex functions or when you need multiple statements or control flow, you should use the traditional function syntax with braces and explicit return
statements.