CHAPTER 70 — Introduction to Recursion

Classic programmed-learning exercises, refreshed for modern Java and presented in the current MrStyner.com portfolio style.

Modern Java noteThis archive has been refreshed for Java 25 LTS. Core language concepts remain useful, while outdated setup instructions and browser-era Java are labeled or replaced. Java 26 is the current feature release; Java 25 is used here as the stable teaching baseline.
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created: 12/23/02; audio added 09/01/07

CHAPTER 70 — Introduction to Recursion

This chapter introduces recursion. Previous chapters have discussed the fundamental control structures of sequence, alternation (if-else), and iteration (while). Recursion is another control structure. Sometimes problems are stated in a recursive fashion, and a program that solves the problem is most easily written using recursion.

Chapter Topics:

  • Two Parts to Recursion:
    • If the problem is easy, solve it immediately.
    • If the problem can't be solved immediately, divide it into easier problems, then solve the easier problems.
  • Examples of Recursion:
    • Walking a Distance
    • Smashing a Rock
    • Dividing a Line
    • Drawing a Snowflake

Forget programming for a while. Think about a real-world problem that does not involve computers:

QUESTION 1:

It is the day after Thanksgiving and the only parking spot you can find at the shopping mall is far from the entrance (horrors!) How do you get from your car to the mall?

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