Converting Iterative Code to Recursive Code

In this lesson, we will learn how to convert an iterative code into recursive code.

We'll cover the following

The key to converting iterative code to recursive code is to find the specific lines of code that get transformed between the two implementations. Let’s take a look at an example:

Steps for Converting Iterative Code to Recursive

  1. Identify the main loop
    • This loop should modify one or more variables
    • It should return a result based on its final values.
  2. Use the loop condition as the base case and the body of the loop as the recursive case.
  3. The local variables in the iterative version turn into the parameters of the recursive version.
  4. Compile and rerun tests.
  5. Refactor the new function: You may be able to remove some temps and find a better structure for the conditional in the recursive function.

Let’s take a look at an example:

Reverse a String

Reversing means that we take the string of code and flip it. The letters at the front go to the back, and vice versa.

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