What is Recursion in C++ | Types of Recursion in C++ ( With Examples )

Recursion in C++: An Overview

What is Recursion in C++?

Recursion is the process in which a function calls itself again and again. It entails decomposing a challenging issue into more manageable issues and then solving each one again. There must be a terminating condition to stop such recursive calls.

Syntax

recursionfunction()
{ 
recursionfunction(); //calling self function 
} 

Example

 #include <iostream>
using namespace std;
int fibonacci(int);

int main() {
 int n, f;
 n=12;
 f = fibonacci(n);
 cout << f;
 return 0;
}

int fibonacci(int n) {
 if (n == 0) {
 return 0;
 } else if (n == 1) {
 return 1;
 } else {
 return fibonacci(n - 1) + fibonacci(n - 2);
 }
}

• This C++ program in C++ Editor uses recursion to determine the nth Fibonacci number.
• It accepts the input n and returns 0 or 1 depending on whether n is 0 or 1.
• Otherwise, it adds the two Fibonacci numbers before calculating the Fibonacci number recursively.

Output

if n = 12 then output will be: 
144

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Advantages of Recursion

• The code can be made shorter with the help of recursion.
• It offers a clear and straightforward method for writing the code.
• It reduces the need to call the function repeatedly.
• In issues like tree traversals as well as theTower of Hanoi, recursion is recommended.

Disadvantages of Recursion

• Slower than non-recursive functions.
• The code is difficult to decipher or comprehend.
• Debugging can be difficult as compared to iterative programs.
• Its space requirements are more compared to iterative programs.
• Due to function calls, it requires more time than usual.

Summary

Recursionis a very useful approach when it comes to programming. It has wide applications ranging from calculating the factorial of a number to sorting and traversal algorithms. If you want to learn such an important concept in more depth, just consider our C++Certification Program. It will prove a practical booster in your journey of programming.