Python: Recursion

Course details

Recursion is part of the very fabric of computer science and software development, and whether you rarely use it or if it’s a key part of your development, there’s a good chance recursion is happening behind the scenes. Recursion is a powerful tool in breaking down complex problems into more manageable segments, and knowledge of recursion is a desirable trait that employers look for in developer positions. In this course, Robin Andrews takes a deep dive into the concepts, techniques, and applications of recursion using Python. He starts with some real-world examples of recursion, and then shows how it pertains to software development. He covers classic recursive algorithms like factorials and Fibonacci numbers, before showing how to write recursive algorithms in Python through practice exercises. After completing this course, you will have a better idea of how to use recursive algorithms to solve a wide range of software development issues.

Concepts

0. Introduction

01 - The power of recursion
02 - What you should know
03 - Working with GitHub

1. Introduction to Recursion

04 - The concept of recursion
05 - Why recursion is important

2. The Fundamentals of Recursion

06 - The ingredients of a recursive algorithm
07 - Recursion in action
08 - The factorial function - Iterative version
09 - A recursive factorial function
10 - Winding and unwinding the call stack in recursion
11 - Challenge - Fix the recursive algorithm
12 - Solution - The fundamentals of recursion

3. Classic Recursive Algorithms in Python

13 - Recursive Fibonacci function in Python
14 - Recursive sum function in Python
15 - Recursive greatest common divisor function in Python

4. Practice Writing Recursive Algorithms in Python

16 - Recursive multiplication algorithm in Python
17 - Recursive exponentiation algorithm in Python
18 - String length recursive algorithm

5. Sorting Data Using Recursion in Python

19 - Introduction to quicksort
20 - Coding the quicksort algorithm in Python
21 - Challenge - Check your understanding of quicksort
22 - Solution - Check your understanding of quicksort

6. Data Traversal Using Recursion

23 - Traversing a Linked List using recursion
24 - Traversing a tree using recursion - Overview
25 - Traversing a tree using recursion - Python implementation
26 - Challenge - Tree traversal
27 - Solution - Tree traversal

7. Optimizing Recursion in Python

28 - Memory considerations with recursive algorithms
29 - Memoization in Python
30 - Tail call optimization in Python

8. Drawing Fractals Using Recursion in Python

31 - H-tree fractal using Python Turtle graphics
32 - Sierpinski triangle

9. The Towers of Hanoi - A Classic Recursive Puzzle

33 - Introduction to the Towers of Hanoi puzzle
34 - Coding the Towers of Hanoi puzzle in Python

Conclusion

35 - Recursion vs. iteration
36 - Conclusion