When should I use head recursion?

What is head recursion and when should I use it?

Head recursion is a type of recursion where the recursive call is the first operation in the function. You should use it when you need to process data before returning a result, especially in scenarios like tree traversals.

Can you give me an example of head recursion?

Sure! A classic example is calculating the factorial of a number. In head recursion, you would call the function first and then perform the multiplication after the recursive calls return.

Are there any downsides to using head recursion?

Yes, one downside is that it can lead to stack overflow for large inputs, as each recursive call adds a new layer to the call stack.

When should I prefer tail recursion instead?

You should prefer tail recursion when you want to optimize for space, as it can be converted into a loop by the compiler, reducing the risk of stack overflow.