What is memoization and how can I use it in Python?

Question

I just started Python and I\'ve got no idea what memoization is and how to use it. Also, may I have a simplified example?

Answer 1

Memoization is the conversion of functions into data structures. Usually one wants the conversion to occur incrementally and lazily (on demand of a given domain element--or "key"). In lazy functional languages, this lazy conversion can happen automatically, and thus memoization can be implemented without (explicit) side-effects.