[algorithm] recursion versus iteration

Question :

And if recursion is usually slower what is the technical reason for ever using it over for loop iteration?

Answer :

Because in some algorithms are hard to solve it iteratively. Try to solve depth-first search in both recursively and iteratively. You will get the idea that it is plain hard to solve DFS with iteration.

Another good thing to try out : Try to write Merge sort iteratively. It will take you quite some time.

Question :

Is it correct to say that everywhere recursion is used a for loop could be used?

Answer :

Yes. This thread has a very good answer for this.

Question :

And if it is always possible to convert an recursion into a for loop is there a rule of thumb way to do it?

Answer :

Trust me. Try to write your own version to solve depth-first search iteratively. You will notice that some problems are easier to solve it recursively.

Hint : Recursion is good when you are solving a problem that can be solved by divide and conquer technique.

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