I'm wondering whether you meant "recursive". Here is a simple example of a recursive function to compute the factorial function:
def factorial(n):
if n == 0:
return 1
else:
return n * factorial(n - 1)
The two key elements of a recursive algorithm are:
- The termination condition:
n == 0 - The reduction step where the function calls itself with a smaller number each time:
factorial(n - 1)
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I'm wondering whether you meant "recursive". Here is a simple example of a recursive function to compute the factorial function:
def factorial(n):
if n == 0:
return 1
else:
return n * factorial(n - 1)
The two key elements of a recursive algorithm are:
- The termination condition:
n == 0 - The reduction step where the function calls itself with a smaller number each time:
factorial(n - 1)
Recursion in Python works just as recursion in an other language, with the recursive construct defined in terms of itself:
For example a recursive class could be a binary tree (or any tree):
class tree():
def __init__(self):
'''Initialise the tree'''
self.Data = None
self.Count = 0
self.LeftSubtree = None
self.RightSubtree = None
def Insert(self, data):
'''Add an item of data to the tree'''
if self.Data == None:
self.Data = data
self.Count += 1
elif data < self.Data:
if self.LeftSubtree == None:
# tree is a recurive class definition
self.LeftSubtree = tree()
# Insert is a recursive function
self.LeftSubtree.Insert(data)
elif data == self.Data:
self.Count += 1
elif data > self.Data:
if self.RightSubtree == None:
self.RightSubtree = tree()
self.RightSubtree.Insert(data)
if __name__ == '__main__':
T = tree()
# The root node
T.Insert('b')
# Will be put into the left subtree
T.Insert('a')
# Will be put into the right subtree
T.Insert('c')
As already mentioned a recursive structure must have a termination condition. In this class, it is not so obvious because it only recurses if new elements are added, and only does it a single time extra.
Also worth noting, python by default has a limit to the depth of recursion available, to avoid absorbing all of the computer's memory. On my computer this is 1000. I don't know if this changes depending on hardware, etc. To see yours :
import sys
sys.getrecursionlimit()
and to set it :
import sys #(if you haven't already)
sys.setrecursionlimit()
edit: I can't guarentee that my binary tree is the most efficient design ever. If anyone can improve it, I'd be happy to hear how
our professor barely explained this topic and we have assessments due on tuesday i donโt understand how to do recursions in python and btw weโre not allowed to use for and while loops help