Programming Example
Fibonacci series for a given number using a recursive function
The following example generates the Fibonacci series for a given number using a recursive function ?
#include <stdio.h>
int fibonacci(int i) {
if(i == 0) {
return 0;
}
if(i == 1) {
return 1;
}
return fibonacci(i-1) + fibonacci(i-2);
}
int main() {
int i;
for (i = 0; i < 10; i++) {
printf("%d\t\n", fibonacci(i));
}
return 0;
}0
1
1
2
3
5
8
13
21
34
Recursion is the process of repeating items in a self-similar way. In programming languages, if a program allows you to call a function inside the same function, then it is called a recursive call of the function.
void recursion() { recursion(); /* function calls itself */ } int main() { recursion(); }
The C programming language supports recursion, i.e., a function to call itself. But while using recursion, programmers need to be careful to define an exit condition from the function, otherwise it will go into an infinite loop.
Recursive functions are very useful to solve many mathematical problems, such as calculating the factorial of a number, generating Fibonacci series, etc.
First read the algorithm, then study the program code line by line. After that, compare the code with the output and finally go through the explanation. This approach helps learners understand both the logic and the implementation properly.
After understanding this example, try to rewrite the same program without looking at the code. Then change some values or logic and run it again. This helps improve confidence and keeps learners engaged on the page for longer.