When writing DataWeave, what is recommended for improving performance?

Using functions rather than iterations in DataWeave is recommended for improving performance because functions are typically more efficient in functional programming. DataWeave is designed to be a functional language, and leveraging functions can lead to more streamlined and optimized code execution.

Functions allow for more concise and clearer expressions of logic, enabling better handling of data transformations. They are executed in a way that allows the underlying engine to optimize their performance automatically, such as through lazy evaluation or better resource management. This can lead to significant performance improvements, especially when processing large datasets.

Additionally, using built-in functions that are optimized for performance can further enhance efficiency by leveraging pre-compiled operations instead of relying on custom iterative logic, which can be more error-prone and less performant. Thus, opting for functions not only simplifies the code but also maximizes execution speed and efficiency when transforming data in DataWeave.