What are the performance differences between recursion and iteration?

What are the performance differences between recursion and iteration?

Recursion and iteration are two different approaches to solving problems. Recursion involves a function calling itself, while iteration uses loops. Generally, iteration is more memory efficient because it doesn't add to the call stack.

Can you give me an example of a problem that is better solved with recursion?

Sure! A classic example is the Fibonacci sequence. Using recursion can make the code simpler and more intuitive, even though it may be less efficient for large numbers.

What about the drawbacks of using recursion?

The main drawbacks of recursion include higher memory usage due to the call stack and potential stack overflow errors for deep recursions. Iteration can often be more efficient in terms of performance.

Are there any scenarios where recursion is preferred over iteration?

Yes, recursion is often preferred in scenarios involving tree traversals, backtracking algorithms, and problems that can be naturally divided into subproblems, like the Tower of Hanoi.