Computer Science – 19.2 Recursion | e-Consult
19.2 Recursion (1 questions)
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When a compiler encounters a recursive function, it needs to manage the multiple function calls that occur during recursion. The call stack plays a crucial role in this process. Here's how the compiler handles recursive calls:
- Function Prologue: Before making a recursive call, the compiler sets up a function prologue on the call stack. This typically involves saving the return address (the address to return to after the function completes) and local variables.
- Recursive Call: The recursive call is then made. This creates a new stack frame on top of the existing one.
- Function Epilogue: When the recursive call returns, the compiler executes a function epilogue. This restores the saved return address and local variables from the stack frame.
- Stack Management: This process repeats for each recursive call, with new stack frames being pushed onto the stack. When the base case is reached, the recursive calls start returning, and the stack frames are popped off the stack in reverse order.
The compiler ensures correct management by automatically managing the call stack. It allocates space for each stack frame and ensures that the return addresses are correctly stored and retrieved. This prevents stack overflow errors, which occur if the recursion goes too deep.