Recursion in JavaScript

In JavaScript, recursion is a programming technique that allows a function to call itself repeatedly until a certain condition is met. It can be used to solve problems that can be broken down into smaller problems with the same solution.

Here's a simple example of a recursive function that calculates the factorial of a given number:

In this example, the factorial() function calls itself with a value that is one less than the current value of n until n is equal to 1. At that point, the function returns 1, and the recursive calls work their way back up the chain, multiplying the returned value by the current value of n at each step.

It's essential to include a base case (in this example, n === 1) in a recursive function to prevent it from entering an infinite loop.

Pros and Cons of Recursion

Advantages of recursion:

1. It can be a simple and elegant solution to a problem that can be divided into smaller subproblems with the same solution.
2. It can make the code easier to read and understand, especially for problems with a natural recursive structure.
3. Recursive functions can be easier to write than their iterative counterparts.

Disadvantages of recursion:

1. Recursive functions can be slower and use more memory than iterative solutions since each recursive call adds a new layer to the stack.
2. It can be more difficult to debug recursive functions since the call stack can be several levels deep.
3. Recursion may only sometimes be the most appropriate solution to a problem; in some cases, an iterative solution may be more efficient.

Overall, it's important to choose the right tool for the job and carefully consider the trade-offs between recursive and iterative solutions.