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Asked: 2024-09-25T11:10:11+05:30 In:

How can I generate a `RecursionError` in Python using the fewest characters possible?

I recently stumbled upon a fascinating challenge that got my gears turning, and I thought it would be fun to share it here! The challenge revolves around generating a `RecursionError` in Python using the least number of characters possible. It’s been a fun little puzzle, but I’m stumped on coming up with a minimal solution.

For context, in Python, a `RecursionError` typically occurs when a function calls itself so many times that it exceeds the maximum recursion depth set by the interpreter. By default, this maximum is generally around 1000, but you can tweak it, which adds another layer to the challenge. The goal here is to create a function or a set of function calls that hits this limit in the fewest characters possible.

I thought of a couple of creative approaches. For example, if I create a function that calls itself raw, that gets us there, but I feel like there might be ways to craft it with even fewer characters. Maybe using lambdas or clever tricks could help squeeze the character count down. I’ve also seen folks using loops and other constructs, but I’m not sure they lend themselves to the smallest solution.

What’s got me really intrigued is finding innovative ways to push the boundaries of not just the character count, but the recursive logic itself. Some people have come up with shockingly compact solutions that make you think outside the box.

So here’s my ask: if you’ve played around with this before or have ideas on clever techniques, could you share your shortest implementation? Or if you have other fun twists on generating `RecursionError`, I’d love to see those too! It’s such a neat little experiment in Python, and I think there might be some hidden gems out there. Let’s see who can come up with the most elegant or succinct solution!

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    2 Answers



    1. RecursionError Challenge

      Generating a RecursionError in Python

      So, I was thinking about how to make a RecursionError with as few characters as possible. Here’s my attempt:

      f=lambda:f()

      This little function uses lambda and calls itself without any parameters. It’ll hit the maximum recursion depth real quick! Just run f() and watch it go!

      I think this is a pretty compact and neat way to do it. If anyone has shorter or cooler ways to trigger a RecursionError, I would love to see them!




    2. RecursionError Challenge

      The challenge of generating a `RecursionError` in Python using the least number of characters is indeed intriguing. A minimalistic approach can be achieved by using a recursive lambda function. For instance, you can define a function in a single line of code that continuously calls itself without any parameters. Here’s a compact example:

      f=lambda:f()

      This implementation is only 12 characters long, and when you invoke `f()`, it will quickly lead to a `RecursionError` by exceeding the recursion limit. This approach showcases the power of lambdas in Python, allowing you to define a function succinctly. Additionally, you could encapsulate it in a try-except block to handle the error gracefully if desired:

      try:f=lambda:f()except:pass


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