What are some practical use cases for recursion in C++?

What are some practical use cases for recursion in C++?

Recursion is often used in C++ for tasks like tree traversal, sorting algorithms, and solving problems like the Fibonacci sequence.

Can you give me an example of recursion in a sorting algorithm?

Sure! QuickSort is a classic example. It works by selecting a 'pivot' element and partitioning the array into two sub-arrays, then recursively sorting those.

What about tree traversal? How does recursion help with that?

In tree traversal, recursion simplifies the process. For example, in a binary tree, you can use recursion to visit nodes in pre-order, in-order, or post-order.

Are there any downsides to using recursion?

Yes, recursion can lead to stack overflow if the recursion depth is too high, and it may be less efficient than iterative solutions in some cases.