Recursion

Expert-Level Explanation

Recursion in JavaScript is a programming technique where a function calls itself in order to solve a problem. A recursive function needs a base condition to stop calling itself; otherwise, it will continue indefinitely.

Creative Explanation

Think of recursion like a Russian nesting doll. Opening one doll reveals a smaller doll inside, and this continues until you reach the smallest doll, which can't be opened (base condition).

Practical Explanation with Code

// Recursive function
function countDown(number) {
  console.log(number);
  if (number > 0) { // Base condition
    countDown(number - 1); // Recursive call
  }
}

countDown(5); // Starts the countdown

Real-world Example

Recursion is like solving a large jigsaw puzzle. You solve one piece (the current problem), then you work on the smaller puzzle (the next recursive call) until there are no more pieces left (the base condition).