Iteration is a term that is generally used to describe an act of repeating. In detail it means that it is the act of repeating an operation or a process to approach a set goal, specified result or target. Each step that is being repeated in a process is termed as ‘iteration’ and the point where one iteration ends is used as the starting point for the next iteration. It is a sequential process.
Use of Iteration
Iteration is used in various fields and subjects in whom processes have to be repeated to reach a particular outcome.
1. Mathematics: The use of iteration in mathematics is referred to the process of iterating a function which means application of a function repeatedly. The output of one iteration (function) is used as the input for the next iteration (function). Simple functions are iterated in mathematics which can lead to the production of complex and difficult problems and can lead to solution of complex problems. Examples of using iterative methods to solve complex problems include juggler sequences and Newton’s method.
2. Computing: In computing, iteration can refer to the repetition of process in two different ways i.e. the repetition of statements or a block of statements in software or computer program or the production of a different version of an existing software program, data set or hardware device. By producing newer versions of existing software, hardware or data sets, the process is being repeated as well as being updated.
3. Education: Iteration can also be used in educational systems. In education, iteration is used to describe the process of guiding students in the process of repeating their assessments, projects, experiments or other academic work until they have close to perfect or perfect results or until the students has mastered itself in the particular skill they were practicing.
4. Project Management: Iteration in project management is slightly different than other fields. In project management it is often applied to planning and development and is used in a process where the desired outcome or target is created in small sections. These sections are reviewed by managers for any changes and then the project moves forward. The insights or the results gained from one section are used to start the next section. An example of this is the process of software development. This process is project management is used to reduce costs of the project, to get greater flexibility in it and to reach goals and results successfully.
