[Python-Dev] Proper tail recursion (original) (raw)

Michael Hudson mwh at python.net
Fri Jul 16 16:04:20 CEST 2004

Christopher T King <squirrel at WPI.EDU> writes:

On Thu, 15 Jul 2004, Guido van Rossum wrote:

> How about: Tail recursion "enables" recursion-oriented (functional) > style? :)

Still -1. I was understating my case: I find the "recursion is the basis of everything" attitude harmful. I think it's still best to "enable" such a style in some cases -- Python's syntax is designed to allow formulation of a problem in the most natural way. Sometimes it's more natural to formulate a problem as a recursive function than a procedural one, but the current implementation restricts this.

I think it's pretty hard to come up with a problem where the natural solution is tail recursive. There are problems where the natural solution is recursive, sure -- but if the natural recursive solution is tail recursive, I'd expect the iterative solution to be even more natural.

Cheers, mwh

-- NUTRIMAT: That drink was individually tailored to meet your personal requirements for nutrition and pleasure. ARTHUR: Ah. So I'm a masochist on a diet am I? -- The Hitch-Hikers Guide to the Galaxy, Episode 9

More information about the Python-Dev mailing list