Recursion: meaning, definitions and examples
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recursion
[ rɪˈkərʒən ]
programming
Recursion is a programming technique where a function calls itself in order to solve a problem. It involves breaking a problem down into smaller subproblems and solving each of them recursively.
Synonyms
iteration, looping, repetition.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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recursion |
Recursion is typically used in the context of computer science and mathematics to describe a function that calls itself within its definition. It's common in algorithms that need to solve a problem by breaking it into smaller, more manageable sub-problems.
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iteration |
Iteration is commonly used in computing and everyday language to describe the process of repeating a set of instructions or actions usually with the help of loops. It's ideal when you need to perform the same task multiple times in a predictable sequence.
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repetition |
Repetition is a broader term that can apply to any context where something is done again and again, not just in computing. It can describe repeated actions, events, or patterns.
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looping |
Looping is frequently used in programming to describe the act of running a block of code multiple times. It most often refers to constructs such as 'for' loops and 'while' loops in various programming languages.
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Examples of usage
- Recursion is commonly used in algorithms like factorial calculation and Fibonacci sequence generation.
- The concept of recursion can be challenging for beginners to grasp.
- In recursion, the function keeps calling itself until a base condition is met.
mathematics
In mathematics, recursion refers to a process where a function is defined in terms of itself. It is often used in defining sequences and series.
Synonyms
iteration, repetition, self-reference.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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recursion |
Used in computing and mathematics when a function calls itself to solve a problem. Best suited for problems that can be divided into similar sub-problems.
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self-reference |
Used to describe situations where something refers to itself. Often seen in literature, mathematics, and logic.
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iteration |
Used in programming and mathematics to describe the repetition of a process within a loop until a specific condition is met. Suitable for tasks where the same operation needs to be repeated.
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repetition |
Used generally to describe any kind of repeating action or sequence. Can refer to both physical actions and abstract processes.
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Examples of usage
- The Fibonacci sequence is a classic example of recursion in mathematics.
- Recursive formulas are used to generate terms of a sequence based on previous terms.
general
Recursion can also refer to the repeated application of a rule, procedure, or formula to successive results.
Synonyms
iteration, reiteration, repetition.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
recursion |
Used in the context of computing and mathematics where a function calls itself. It can also be applied in discussions about processes that repeat by referring back to the initial conditions.
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repetition |
Used in a broad range of contexts, from daily activities to educational practices, to indicate the act of doing or saying something again. This term is the most general of the group and can carry a neutral to slightly negative connotation if overused.
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reiteration |
Often used in communication and rhetoric to emphasize a point by repeating it multiple times. This word underscores the act of repetition to ensure understanding or to stress importance.
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iteration |
Commonly used in computing and everyday language to describe a process that repeats a series of steps until a certain condition is met. It’s very practical and grounded in real-world problem-solving.
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Examples of usage
- The concept of recursion can be found in various fields such as linguistics and psychology.
- In linguistics, recursion plays a role in the generation of complex sentences.
Translations
Translations of the word "recursion" in other languages:
🇵🇹 recursão
🇮🇳 पुनरावृत्ति
🇩🇪 Rekursion
🇮🇩 rekursi
🇺🇦 рекурсія
🇵🇱 rekurencja
🇯🇵 再帰 (さいき)
🇫🇷 récursivité
🇪🇸 recursión
🇹🇷 özyineleme
🇰🇷 재귀
🇸🇦 التكرار
🇨🇿 rekurze
🇸🇰 rekurzia
🇨🇳 递归 (dìguī)
🇸🇮 rekurzija
🇮🇸 endurkvæmi
🇰🇿 рекурсия
🇬🇪 რეკურსია
🇦🇿 rekursiya
🇲🇽 recursión
Etymology
The term 'recursion' originated from the Latin verb 'recurrere', meaning 'to run back'. The concept of recursion has been used in various disciplines throughout history, but it gained prominence in computer science and mathematics due to its powerful problem-solving capabilities.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #23,195, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
- ...
- 23192 heraldic
- 23193 whisked
- 23194 horrendous
- 23195 recursion
- 23196 extrapolate
- 23197 winded
- 23198 ergo
- ...