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Algorithms_ Recursion Cheatsheet _ Codecademy

This document is a cheatsheet on recursion, outlining its fundamental components: the base case and the recursive step. It explains the importance of a base case to prevent infinite recursion and discusses the call stack, big-O runtime, and execution context of recursive functions. Additionally, it highlights the risks of weak base cases leading to stack overflow errors.

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4 views

Algorithms_ Recursion Cheatsheet _ Codecademy

This document is a cheatsheet on recursion, outlining its fundamental components: the base case and the recursive step. It explains the importance of a base case to prevent infinite recursion and discusses the call stack, big-O runtime, and execution context of recursive functions. Additionally, it highlights the risks of weak base cases leading to stack overflow errors.

Uploaded by

zoya bari
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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5/1/25, 2:11 PM Algorithms: Recursion Cheatsheet | Codecademy

Cheatsheets / Algorithms

Recursion

Base Case of a Recursive Function

A recursive function should have a base case with a function countdown(value)


condition that stops the function from recursing
if value is negative or zero
indefinitely. In the example, the base case is a condition
evaluating a negative or zero value to be true. print "done"
otherwise if value is greater than zero
print value
call countdown with (value-1)

Recursive Step in Recursive Function

A recursive function should have a recursive step def countdown(value):


which calls the recursive function with some input that
if value <= 0:
brings it closer to its base case. In the example, the
recursive step is the call to countdown() with a print("done")
decremented value. else:
print(value)
countdown(value-1) #recursive step

What is Recursion

Recursion is a strategy for solving problems by defining


the problem in terms of itself. A recursive function
consists of two basic parts: the base case and the
recursive step.

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5/1/25, 2:11 PM Algorithms: Recursion Cheatsheet | Codecademy

Call Stack in Recursive Function

Programming languages use a facility called a call stack


to manage the invocation of recursive functions. Like a
stack, a call stack for a recursive function calls the last
function in its stack when the base case is met.

Big-O Runtime for Recursive Functions

The big-O runtime for a recursive function is equivalent


to the number of recursive function calls. This value
varies depending on the complexity of the algorithm of
the recursive function. For example, a recursive
function of input N that is called N times will have a
runtime of O(N). On the other hand, a recursive
function of input N that calls itself twice per function
may have a runtime of O(2^N).

Weak Base Case in Recursive Function

A recursive function with a weak base case will not have


a condition that will stop the function from recursing,
causing the function to run indefinitely. When this
happens, the call stack will overflow and the program
will generate a stack overflow error.

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5/1/25, 2:11 PM Algorithms: Recursion Cheatsheet | Codecademy

Execution Context of a Recursive Function

An execution context of a recursive function is the set


of arguments to the recursive function call.
Programming languages use execution contexts to
manage recursive functions.

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