What are the differences between recursion and dynamic programming in C++?

What are the differences between recursion and dynamic programming in C++?

Recursion is a method where a function calls itself to solve a problem, while dynamic programming is an optimization technique that solves problems by breaking them down into simpler subproblems and storing the results to avoid redundant calculations.

Can you give me an example of a problem that can be solved using both methods?

Sure! The Fibonacci sequence is a classic example. You can use recursion to calculate Fibonacci numbers, but it can be inefficient due to repeated calculations. Dynamic programming, on the other hand, stores previously calculated Fibonacci numbers to improve efficiency.

Which method is generally more efficient?

Dynamic programming is generally more efficient than recursion for problems with overlapping subproblems, as it avoids redundant calculations by storing results.

Are there any downsides to using dynamic programming?

Yes, dynamic programming can require more memory to store the results of subproblems, and it may be more complex to implement compared to simple recursion.