The programming paradigm that emphasizes functions over states is known as functional programming. In this approach, computation is treated as the evaluation of mathematical functions, promoting immutability and avoiding side effects. This paradigm encourages writing cleaner, more predictable code, which can enhance maintainability and testability. Languages that support functional programming concepts include Haskell, Scala, and JavaScript. By focusing on functions as first-class citizens, developers can leverage powerful abstractions and enhance their coding practices.