Question

C++ Language

1. Why would you prefer to use recursion? (Multiple answers or one answer)

a		When the problem to be solved is naturally recursive, a recursive algorithm provides a clear and simple solution.
b		Since stack memory is faster than heap memory, and recursion uses stack memory, it is preferable to use recursion.
c		If a language, like LISP, or a subset of a language, like C++ templates, provides recursion but does not provide looping, then use recursion.
d		Since recursive functions call themselves, they avoid redundant code, and generate LESS code than functions that use looping.

2. What code below would use up all the memory on the heap (also known as the "free store")?

a		void function() { function(); } function();
b		int i; while (true) ++i;
c		while (true) new int;
d		ofstream out_file("big_file.txt"); while (true) {out_file<<"junk and more junk "};

Answer 1

1. Why would you prefer to use recursion? (Multiple answers or one answer)
- a: When the problem to be solved is naturally recursive, a recursive algorithm provides a clear and simple solution.
- b: Since stack memory is faster than heap memory, and recursion uses stack memory, it is preferable to use recursion.
- d: Since recursive functions call themselves, they avoid redundant code, and generate LESS code than functions that use looping.

2. What code below would use up all the memory on the heap (also known as the "free store")?
c: while (true) new int;

This would tke up all the memory on heap since we are allocating new space dynamically infinitely.