Description: A first-class citizen is an entity in programming that can be treated like any other data type. This means it can be passed as an argument to functions, returned as a result from a function, or assigned to a variable. This concept is fundamental in programming languages that support functional programming, where functions are treated as first-class citizens. The main characteristics of a first-class citizen include the ability to be assigned to variables, passed as arguments to other functions, and returned from functions. This approach allows for greater flexibility and modularity in software design, facilitating the creation of higher-order functions that can operate on other values. The relevance of this concept lies in its ability to simplify program logic and enhance code reuse, which is essential in modern software development. In summary, a first-class citizen is a cornerstone in programming that enables developers to build more complex and efficient applications by using functions or values as first-class elements.
