let vs letfn for defining local functions in clojure?
Normally it's easier and neater to use let
: that way you can define a set of both functions and non-functions in a single form, and even refer back to previous definitions:
(let [f (fn [x] ....)
value (reduce f some-collection)
foo bar]
.....)
letfn
is really only needed when you want to define multiple functions that recursively refer to each other. let
won't work in this case because it doesn't support recursive references.
If all I need is one or a few local functions, I letfn
them. If I need to define a mix of functions and non-functions, I'll just use a normal let
. letfn
ing and let
ing would be a very verbose way to do this.
However, if you need mutual recursion through your local functions, you'll have to letfn
them either way.
Short version: use them when you think it looks better, and when it's convenient. There are no hard and fast rules for using either. They are just tools in the Clojure toolbox.
Have fun!