Why Are Programmers SCARED of RECURSION?

#recursion #stack #programming
Is Recursion The Most Terrifying Programming Technique?

Recursive function calls are like winding and unwinding a ball of wool… well, aren’t they?

The truth of the matter is that while “winding” is a word that is often used to describe recursion, it is not really a very useful or accurate term. It would be better to think of recursive function calls (just like any other function calls) as like climbing up a ladder. Each function call creates a stack frame. The stack is a linear structure, more like the rungs of a ladder than a wound-up ball of wool.

In this video, I try to explain that recursion is a programming game of Snakes and Ladders. You may think of recursion as being like a coiled-up snake waiting to bite you. In fact, you would do better to think of it as a ladder that you can climb up.

THE LITTLE BOOK OF RECURSION

Huw Collingbourne is the author of “The Little Book Of Recursion”.
You can buy The Little Book Of Recursion from Amazon:
Amazon (US) https://amzn.to/2JjrJtq
Amazon (UK) https://amzn.to/2YCYx5N
Or search for its ISBN: 978-1913132057

MORE RECURSION VIDEOS
Recursion playlist:    • Recursion for Programmers  

RECURSION AND THE CALL STACK
   • What Are The Call Stack And Stack Frames I...  

PROGRAMMING BOOKS
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If you want to learn programming in more depth (and also support this channel!) you might think of buying one of my books. I have written books on C programming, Using Pointers in C, Recursion and other programming topics. You can buy my books (paperback or Kindle) on Amazon.

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Good luck! And good programming!