What are the differences between iterative and recursive methods in C++?

What are the differences between iterative and recursive methods in C++?

Iterative methods use loops to repeat a block of code, while recursive methods call themselves to solve a problem.

Can you give me an example of both methods in C++?

Sure! For iteration, you might use a for loop to calculate factorial. For recursion, you'd call a function that multiplies the number by the factorial of the number minus one.

Which method is more efficient?

Iterative methods are generally more memory efficient since they don't add to the call stack like recursive methods do.

Are there any situations where recursion is preferred?

Yes, recursion can be more intuitive and easier to implement for problems like tree traversals or when the problem naturally fits a divide-and-conquer approach.