Java Recursion Quiz: Data Structures Practice

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Questions and Answers

What is recursion in programming?

A process where a function calls itself once or multiple times to solve a problem

What is direct recursion?

When a method calls itself directly

What is indirect recursion?

When a method invokes another method, leading to the original method calling another method

Why is having a base case important in recursive algorithms?

To stop the algorithm from recurring infinitely Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between recursion and iteration in programming?

Recursion terminates when a base case is reached, while iteration terminates when a condition is proven false Signup and view all the answers

What is linear recursion?

The function calls itself once each time it is invoked Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a singly linked list and a doubly linked list?

Doubly linked list contains an extra pointer to the previous node. Signup and view all the answers

How is a doubly linked list represented in memory?

Placing the address of the preceding node in the left pointer field of each node. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Circular Linked List?

A linked list where the last node points to the first node. Signup and view all the answers

Which method is used to check if a Linked List is empty?

.isEmpty(); Signup and view all the answers

How can you sort a Linked List in reverse order?

Collections.sort(linkedList, Collections.reverseOrder()); Signup and view all the answers

What does a Doubly Linked List store in its 'predecessor' pointer field?

Address of the preceding node. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first node in a linked list called?

Head Signup and view all the answers

How is the last node in a linked list identified?

Points to null Signup and view all the answers

Which operation in a linked list adds an element into the list?

Insert Signup and view all the answers

In a linked list, how is the number of elements handled compared to an array?

The number of elements can expand Signup and view all the answers

What does a linked list use to connect nodes?

An arrow to the right Signup and view all the answers

Which operation in a linked list returns the number of elements in the list?

Count Signup and view all the answers

What type of data structure is a stack?

Recursive data structure Signup and view all the answers

In a stack, where can insertion and deletion operations be performed?

Only at one end (top) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between stacks and the Last-In-First-Out (LIFO) principle?

Stacks follow the LIFO principle Signup and view all the answers

How are stacks utilized in program execution?

To store information about parameters and return points of executing methods Signup and view all the answers

Which package in Java contains the Stack class methods mentioned for implementing stacks?

java.util Signup and view all the answers

What role do stacks play in compilers?

Storing information during expression evaluation Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when encountering a right parenthesis in the infix to postfix conversion algorithm?

Append all elements to the postfix expression until a left parenthesis is encountered. Signup and view all the answers

What action is taken if a token is an operand in the stack applications algorithm?

Append it to the postfix expression. Signup and view all the answers

In the postfix to infix conversion, what operation is performed when '6, 4 + Pop 6 and 4 Perform + Push result 9'?

Addition Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when a token is an operator with lower or equal precedence than the top of the stack in the stack applications algorithm?

Pop the operator from the top of the stack. Signup and view all the answers

What operation is performed when '10, 6 Pop 6 and 10 Perform * Push result 10 * 6 60' in the postfix to infix conversion?

Multiplication Signup and view all the answers

How is an operator handled in the stack applications algorithm if the stack is empty?

Push it to the stack. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Recursion Fundamentals

Recursion is a process where a function calls itself once or multiple times to solve a problem
Any function that calls itself is recursive
Types of recursion:
- Direct recursion: a method directly calls itself
- Indirect recursion: a method invokes another method, eventually resulting in the original method being invoked again
Requirements for a recursive algorithm:
- Have a base case to stop recursion
- Change its state and move toward the base case
- Call itself, recursively

Recursion vs. Iteration

Recursion:
- Terminates when a base case is reached
- Requires extra memory space for each recursive call
- Risk of infinite recursion and stack overflow
Iteration:
- Terminates when a condition is proven to be false
- Does not require extra memory space
- Risk of infinite loop

Stacks

A stack is an ordered list in which insertion and deletion can only be performed at one end (the top)
A stack is a recursive data structure having a pointer to its top element
Stack operations:
- Push: add an element to the top of the stack
- Pop: remove an element from the top of the stack
Stack applications:
- Evaluating postfix expressions
- Implementing recursive algorithms
- Parsing syntax in compilers

Linked Lists

A linked list is a dynamic data structure in which each node has a pointer to the next node
Operations on a linked list:
- Display: show the elements in the list
- Insert: add an element to the list
- Delete: remove an element from the list
- Search: find a specific element in the list
- Count: return the number of elements in the list
Types of linked lists:
- Singly linked list: each node has a pointer to the next node
- Doubly linked list: each node has pointers to both the previous and next nodes
- Circular linked list: the last node points back to the first node

Stack Applications

Converting infix to postfix expressions
Evaluating postfix expressions
Implementing recursive algorithms

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