Which best describes recursion?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks to identify which option best describes recursion.
Option 1: 'A function that calls itself until a base condition is met' accurately captures the core idea of recursion: a function that solves a problem by solving a smaller instance of the same problem, with a base case to stop the recursion. This explanation aligns with standard definitions you’d see in computer science courses.
Option 2: 'A function that modifies global variables' describes side effects or state changes, not recursion. Recursion is about the self-referential structure of the algorithm, not about whether it uses global state to operate or alter variables.
Option 3: 'A loop inside a class' conflates recursion with iterative constructs. While loops can be used within a recursive function (e.g., tail recursion might be optimized into iteration), recursion itself is about the function calling itself, not about being inside a class or containing a loop.
Option 4: 'A function that repeats forever' would indicate non-terminating behavior, which is not intrinsic to recursion. A properly defined recursive function should eventually reach a base case and terminate; infinite recursion is an error, not the defining feature.
Option 5: 'A method that creates objects' pertains to object creation or factory patterns, not to recursion. Recursion focuses on self-referential function calls, not on object instantiation semantics.

IS 4485-001 Fall 2025 Final Exam Practice 2

Which best describes recursion?

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