What are the challenges of using immutable data structures?

What are the challenges of using immutable data structures?

Using immutable data structures can lead to performance issues, especially in terms of memory usage and garbage collection.

Can you explain how performance is affected?

Sure! Since immutable structures create a new version of the data on each change, it can increase memory consumption and slow down operations.

Are there any specific scenarios where they are particularly problematic?

Yes, in scenarios requiring frequent updates, like real-time applications, mutable structures might be more efficient.

What are some strategies to mitigate these challenges?

You can use techniques like structural sharing or lazy evaluation to optimize performance while still leveraging immutability.