Explain the difference between time complexity and space complexity in code optimisation.

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Explain the difference between time complexity and space complexity in code optimisation.

In code optimization, time complexity and space complexity are two important factors that need to be considered. They measure different aspects of the efficiency of an algorithm or code.

Time complexity refers to the amount of time taken by an algorithm to run as a function of the input size. It measures the number of operations or steps required to solve a problem. Time complexity is usually expressed using big O notation, which provides an upper bound on the growth rate of the algorithm. It helps in understanding how the algorithm's performance scales with the input size. A lower time complexity indicates a more efficient algorithm.

Space complexity, on the other hand, refers to the amount of memory or space required by an algorithm to run as a function of the input size. It measures the maximum amount of memory used by the algorithm during its execution. Space complexity is also expressed using big O notation. It helps in understanding how much memory an algorithm needs to solve a problem. A lower space complexity indicates a more memory-efficient algorithm.

In summary, time complexity focuses on the efficiency of an algorithm in terms of the number of operations performed, while space complexity focuses on the efficiency in terms of memory usage. Both time and space complexity are crucial in code optimization as they help in identifying bottlenecks and improving the overall performance of the code. By analyzing and optimizing both time and space complexity, developers can create more efficient and scalable algorithms.