How is memoization different from caching?

Can you explain how memoization is different from caching?

Sure! Memoization is a specific optimization technique used primarily in functions to store the results of expensive function calls and return the cached result when the same inputs occur again. Caching, on the other hand, is a broader concept that involves storing data in a temporary storage area to speed up future requests for that data.

So, is memoization a type of caching?

Yes, exactly! Memoization can be considered a specialized form of caching that focuses on function calls and their results, while caching can apply to various types of data and resources.

Can you give me an example of memoization in programming?

Certainly! A common example is the Fibonacci sequence. Instead of recalculating Fibonacci numbers for the same inputs, memoization stores previously computed values in a dictionary, allowing for faster retrieval.

What are some use cases for caching?

Caching is widely used in web development to store HTML pages, API responses, and database query results to improve performance and reduce load times.