How do I handle recursion in programming?

How do I handle recursion in programming?

Recursion is a technique where a function calls itself. To handle it effectively, ensure you have a base case to stop the recursion.

Can you give me an example of a recursive function?

Sure! A classic example is the factorial function. Here's how it looks in Python:

def factorial(n):
    if n == 0:
        return 1
    else:
        return n * factorial(n - 1)

What are some common pitfalls when using recursion?

Common pitfalls include forgetting the base case, which can lead to infinite recursion, and excessive memory usage due to deep recursion.

How can I optimize recursive functions?

You can optimize recursive functions using techniques like memoization, which stores results of expensive function calls and reuses them when the same inputs occur again.