Data Structures

Recursion

Definition

A technique where a function calls itself to solve smaller instances of the same problem. Every recursive function needs a base case (stopping condition) and a recursive case. Common in tree traversals, divide-and-conquer algorithms, and mathematical computations.

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Related Terms

Big O Notation

A mathematical notation that describes the upper bound of an algorithm's time or space complexity as input size grows. Common complexities from fastest to slowest: O(1), O(log n), O(n), O(n log n), O(n^2), O(2^n).

Stack

A Last-In-First-Out (LIFO) data structure where elements are added and removed from the same end (the top). The JavaScript call stack is a stack. Common operations: push (add to top), pop (remove from top), peek (view top).

Binary Tree

A hierarchical data structure where each node has at most two children (left and right). A Binary Search Tree (BST) maintains the property that left children are smaller and right children are larger than the parent.