What is the difference between iterative and recursive programming?

What is the difference between iterative and recursive programming?

Iterative programming uses loops to repeat a block of code, while recursive programming calls a function within itself.

Can you give me an example of each?

Sure! An iterative example is a loop that sums numbers, while a recursive example is a function that calculates factorial.

Which one is more efficient?

It depends on the context. Iteration is generally more memory efficient, while recursion can be more elegant and easier to read.

When should I use recursion over iteration?

Use recursion when the problem can be broken down into smaller subproblems, like tree traversals or combinatorial problems.