Iterative: meaning, definitions and examples
🔄
iterative
[ˈɪt(ə)rətɪv ]
Definition
programming
Repeating a process or task multiple times in a systematic manner, often using loops or iterations.
Synonyms
cyclical, recurring, repetitive.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| iterative |
This is used in the context of processes, especially in mathematics, computer science, and engineering, where repetition of procedures or steps is essential until a specific condition is met.
|
| repetitive |
Mostly used in a negative sense to describe tasks, actions, or patterns that are monotonous and involve repeated doing of the same thing.
|
| recurring |
Used when referring to something that happens repeatedly over time but not necessarily in a predictable pattern.
|
| cyclical |
Appropriate when describing things that happen in cycles, often related to natural or economic phenomena with predictable patterns.
|
Examples of usage
- His iterative approach to problem-solving allowed him to quickly identify and fix bugs in the code.
- The iterative nature of the software development cycle ensures that each stage is thoroughly tested and refined.
- She preferred an iterative design process, making small changes and improvements incrementally.
- By taking an iterative approach, the team was able to gradually enhance the user experience of the application.
- In an iterative manner, the program iterated through each element of the array to find the maximum value.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term comes from the Latin word 'iterare', which means 'to repeat'.
- It has evolved to describe processes in various fields, emphasizing improvement through repetition.
- First recorded use in English was in the late 19th century, commonly applied in mathematics and programming.
Science
- In scientific research, iterative processes help refine experiments and theories based on previous results.
- The scientific method itself incorporates iteration; hypotheses are tested, and results are revisited for further analysis.
- Iterative methods are often used in numerical analysis to provide progressively better approximations.
Technology
- In software development, 'iterative' refers to creating prototypes, testing them, and improving them until the final product is achieved.
- Agile development is an example of an iterative approach, where projects are broken into smaller pieces for regular updates and feedback.
- The iterative design process allows designers to adjust products based on user feedback efficiently.
Psychology
- The iterative approach is used in cognitive behavioral therapy, where clients build on their progress with each session.
- This method can help improve problem-solving skills by encouraging individuals to learn from past mistakes.
- Iteration in personal development suggests that repeated practice leads to mastery and greater confidence.
Art
- Artists often use an iterative process to refine their works, with each iteration revealing new insights or corrections.
- In film and animation, storyboards are refined through iterative feedback to enhance storytelling.
- Musicians might take an iterative approach when composing, repeating and modifying melodies to find the perfect fit.
Translations
Translations of the word "iterative" in other languages:
🇵🇹 iterativo
🇮🇳 पुनरावृत्त
🇩🇪 iterativ
🇮🇩 iteratif
🇺🇦 ітеративний
🇵🇱 iteracyjny
🇯🇵 反復的
🇫🇷 itératif
🇪🇸 iterativo
🇹🇷 yinelemeli
🇰🇷 반복적인
🇸🇦 تكراري
🇨🇿 iterativní
🇸🇰 iteratívny
🇨🇳 迭代的
🇸🇮 iterativen
🇮🇸 endurtekið
🇰🇿 қайталанатын
🇬🇪 იტერატიული
🇦🇿 təkrarlanan
🇲🇽 iterativo