Can any recursive calculation really be replaced by a non-recursive one?

Question

recursion

And if so, why use recursion? Habit?

Answer 1

Quote from "Groaking Algorithms":
"Loops can speed up a program. Recursion can speed up a programmer. Choose what is more important in your situation!" Leigh Caldwell
Recursion or Iteration?

Answer 2

Recursion is expressive. The code of complex algorithms using recursion comes out more compact and more natural than using iteration.

Answer 3

In principle, you can not use cycles. Do not use your functions.
All these are language features, tools that greatly speed up development.
It cannot be said that a hammer is better than a screwdriver just because a self-tapping screw can be driven in with a hammer.