Iteration is a fundamental concept in computer programming. It is the repetition of a process, often with a modified set of parameters in each repetition. Iteration is commonly used for performing operations on array elements inside a loop, repeating a process to reach a desired level of accuracy in a numerical calculation, or to find the solution to a particular problem.
In computer programming, loops are a common way of performing iteration. The computer programmer determines the set of instructions to be repeated (the loop body), as well as the number of times the instructions should be repeated and the conditions that determine the end of loop. A loop is also referred to as an iterative process. Examples of looping structures include for-loops, while-loops, and do-while-loops.
Iteration can also be done recursively. In recursive iteration, the sequence of instructions is repeated until a certain condition is met. An example of recursive iteration would be a function that repeatedly divides a number by two until it becomes 1. The process of recursion is often used for tasks such as searching through a data structure or generating a sequence of numbers.
Iteration is a powerful tool, and it allows the computer programmer to write code that is more concise, less susceptible to errors, and more easily extensible. It also provides a way of abstracting a problem to make it more manageable, as well as reducing processing time and reducing memory usage. Iteration is an important concept to understand if one wants to develop efficient, effective code.
