Recursion
Recursion is a method of solving a problem where the solution depends on solutions to smaller instances of the same problem.
Python Example
# Define a recursive function that calculates a factorial, such as 5*4*3*2*1 = 120.
def factorial(number):
# Set a value at which the function exits and prevents an infinite execution.
if number == 1:
return 1
# If the current value is not at the exit point, continue.
else:
# Calculate a new value using this same function.
new_value = number * factorial(number - 1)
# Return the calculated value.
return new_value
# Use the recursive function.
print(factorial(5))