More
Masterclasses
In a program, every function written in the C programming language can call itself multiple times. Recursive functions are defined as any function that calls itself repeatedly (directly or indirectly) until the program satisfies a specified condition or subtask. In this article, learn the recursion in C and its applications.
Let us see what is Recursion in C?
Recursion in C is a process where a function calls itself to solve a problem. It allows a complex problem to be broken down into simpler sub-problems, each of which is solved by invoking the same function. C Recursion requires a base case that stops the recursive calls, preventing infinite loops.
Recursion in C results when a function calls a duplicate of itself to work on a smaller problem. This recursive function is any function in the C programming language that calls itself.
Meanwhile, these calls–made by the recursive functions–are called recursive calls. There are numerous recursive calls involved in C recursion. Nevertheless, it's crucial to impose a recursion termination condition. Although recursive code is shorter than iterative code, it is more cryptic.
Learn More: Advantages and Disadvantages of Arrays in C, C++, and Java
In the C programming language, recursive functions are easy to comprehend. It entails specific duties that are broken down into different subtasks. There are termination conditions or conditions in some of the subtasks.
To end the program, these subtasks must meet these requirements. Otherwise, as was already mentioned, a never-ending cycle will be produced.
Also, at the end of the C recursion, you can determine the final outcome by leveraging the recursive function. The idea of the basic case is also present here. The recursive function may attempt to complete a subtask on numerous occasions by continually invoking itself. The recursive case is the name given to it.
Let's examine the structure utilized to write the recursive function in the C language.
recursive_function() { //base case if base_case = true; return; else //recursive case return code_for_recursion; //includes recursive call }
Let us take a look at the format used for writing the recursive function in C with the help of syntax and examples.
Syntax:
Below is the syntax of recursion in c to make you understand better.
C void recursive_function(int n) { // base case if (n == 0) { // do something } else { // recursive call recursive_function(n - 1); // do something else } }
Example:
Below is the example of recursion in c:
C int factorial(int n) { if (n == 0) { return 1; } else { return n * factorial(n - 1); } }
Once the base case is reached, this function continues to call itself in a recursive fashion. The method returns 1 in the basic case, which occurs when the number is 0. If not, the function increases the value by the number's factorial minus 1.
In C, recursion is frequently used for operations like factorial calculation, list sorting, and tree searching. Here are some specific applications of C recursion.
Recursion can be used to order data lists, such as strings or numeric lists. Tree searches: Trees are data structures for storing and retrieving data, and they can be searched via recursion.
That method is duplicated in memory with each recursive call. The copy is erased from memory after the procedure returns some data. At each recursive call, a distinct stack is maintained since all variables and other items declared inside the function are saved on the stack.
Upon receiving the value from the relevant function, the stack is deleted. Resolving and keeping track of the values at each recursive call requires much complexity in recursion. As a result, we must keep the stack up to date and monitor the variables' values.
Let's look at the example below to comprehend how recursive functions allocate memory.
int display (int n) { if(n == 0) return 0; // terminating condition else { printf("%d",n); return display(n-1); // recursive call } }
A function that calls itself repeatedly, either directly or indirectly, until it reaches its base case is known as a recursive function. A recursive call, which is contained inside the recursive function and calls it, is present.
When a function reaches the base case, the recursive calls are terminated, and the copies in memory to return all of the values that were provided to them after each recursive call. The recursive function is ended after all of the values have been returned.
The recursive_fun() function is shown in the previous figure. Recursive calls are contained within recursive_fun().
There are primarily two types of C recursion:
Direct Recursion: In this type of C recursion, a function calls itself directly. It is the most common form of recursion, where a function invokes itself during its execution.
Example: void directRecursion(int n) { if (n > 0) { printf("%d ", n); directRecursion(n - 1); } }
Indirect Recursion: In this type C recursion, multiple functions call each other in a circular manner. A function calls another function, which in turn may call the first one or another function, creating a chain of recursive calls.
Example: void functionB(int n); void functionA(int n) { if (n > 0) { printf("%d ", n); functionB(n - 1); } } void functionB(int n) { if (n > 1) { printf("%d ", n); functionA(n / 2); } }
Both direct and indirect recursion have their use cases and are important concepts for solving certain types of problems. However, it is crucial to handle the termination condition properly to avoid infinite recursion.
Below is the quick difference between trailed and non-trailed recursion in C:
Basis | Tailed Recursion in C | Non-Tailed Recursion In C |
---|---|---|
Efficiency | More efficient than non-tailed recursion. | Less efficient than tailed recursion. |
Performance | Tail recursion can be optimized via the compiler. | Non-tailed recursion cannot be optimized via the compiler. |
Recursive Call | Last statement in the function | Not the last statement |
In this section, explore the various real-life applications of C recursion.
Recursion in C can be used to create these algorithms to examine every avenue and go backward when a solution cannot be found.
Recursion in C is a crucial idea in light of this. It is extensively utilized in algorithms and data structures. Recursion is frequently used, for instance, to solve issues like tree traversal.
So, want to learn more about recursion in C and excel in this programming language? Get started with HeroVired’s Data science and analytics course today!
Recursion in C is a process where a function calls itself to solve a problem. It allows a complex problem to be broken down into simpler sub-problems, each of which is solved by invoking the same function. C Recursion requires a base case that stops the recursive calls, preventing infinite loops. It is a powerful concept that simplifies code and helps solve problems in an elegant and intuitive manner.
When a function calls itself directly from within, it is said to be in direct recursion in the C programming language. Recursive calls are made when a function calls itself; as a result, the function itself becomes recursive.
The process of making a function call itself is known as recursion. With the use of this strategy, complex problems can be reduced to more manageable, simpler ones. Recursion could be a little challenging to comprehend.
There are primarily two types of C recursion: <ul><li>Direct Recursion: In direct recursion, a function calls itself directly. It is the most common form of recursion, where a function invokes itself during its execution.</li> <li>Indirect Recursion: In indirect recursion, multiple functions call each other in a circular manner. A function calls another function, which in turn may call the first one or another function, creating a chain of recursive calls.</li></ul>
Blogs from other domain
Carefully gathered content to add value to and expand your knowledge horizons