What happens if a recursive function does not have a base case?a)The program crashes with a stack overflow error.b)The program goes into an infinite loop.c)The function returns an error code.d)The compiler throws a syntax error.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

Without a base case, the recursive function will continue to call itself indefinitely, leading to an infinite loop.

Answer

Introduction:
In computer programming, a recursive function is a function that calls itself within its own definition. It is a powerful technique used to solve complex problems by breaking them down into smaller subproblems. However, when implementing a recursive function, it is crucial to include a base case, which is a condition that terminates the recursion. Without a base case, the recursive function will continue to call itself indefinitely, resulting in an infinite loop.

Explanation:
When a recursive function does not have a base case, the following consequences occur:

1. The program goes into an infinite loop:
Without a base case, the recursive function will continue to call itself repeatedly. Each recursive call creates a new instance of the function on the call stack, consuming memory. As a result, the program will eventually run out of available stack memory, causing a stack overflow error. This error occurs when the call stack exceeds its maximum size, leading to the termination of the program.

Example:
Consider the following example of a recursive function without a base case:

```
void infiniteLoop() {
infiniteLoop(); // Recursive call without base case
}

int main() {
infiniteLoop();
return 0;
}
```

In this example, the `infiniteLoop()` function calls itself indefinitely without any condition to terminate the recursion. As a result, the program will go into an infinite loop, continuously creating new instances of the function until the stack overflows.

Conclusion:
In summary, when a recursive function lacks a base case, it results in an infinite loop. This infinite loop consumes memory and can eventually lead to a stack overflow error, causing the program to crash. Therefore, it is crucial to include a base case in recursive functions to ensure termination and prevent unintended consequences.

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