What are the benefits of memoization in programming?

What are the benefits of memoization in programming?

Memoization is a technique that stores the results of expensive function calls and returns the cached result when the same inputs occur again. This can significantly improve performance, especially in recursive algorithms.

Can you give me an example of where memoization is useful?

Sure! A classic example is the Fibonacci sequence. Without memoization, calculating Fibonacci numbers can take exponential time. With memoization, it reduces to linear time by storing previously computed values.

Are there any downsides to using memoization?

Yes, while memoization can improve performance, it also uses additional memory to store results. If the input space is large, it might lead to high memory consumption.

How does memoization compare to other optimization techniques?

Memoization is a specific form of caching. Unlike other techniques like dynamic programming, which may require a complete redesign of the algorithm, memoization can often be added to existing recursive functions with minimal changes.