Algorithms For Dummies

 Getting Started

    if n > 1:

        return n * factorial(n-1)

    print("Ending condition met.")

    return 1

  

print(factorial(5))

  

factorial called with n =  5

factorial called with n =  4

factorial called with n =  3

factorial called with n =  2

factorial called with n =  1

Ending condition met.

120

Note the difference. Instead of checking the ending condition, this version checks 

the continuation condition. As long as 

n

 is greater than 

1

, the code will continue 

to make recursive calls. Even though this code is shorter than the previous ver-

sion, it’s also less clear because now you must think about what condition will end 

the recursion.