What are the best practices for using recursion in programming?

What are the best practices for using recursion in programming?

When using recursion, it's important to ensure that you have a base case to prevent infinite loops. Additionally, consider the depth of recursion to avoid stack overflow.

Can you explain what a base case is?

A base case is a condition in a recursive function that stops the recursion. It provides a simple, non-recursive answer for specific inputs.

What are some common mistakes to avoid with recursion?

Common mistakes include forgetting to define a base case, using excessive recursion depth, and not considering performance implications.

How can I optimize a recursive function?

You can optimize a recursive function by using techniques like memoization, which stores previously computed results to avoid redundant calculations.