Recursion

Recursion is a mathematical principle that involves repeating an algorithm (a sequence of mathematical operations) any number of times. There is no limit to the number, and infinite repetition is possible. In other words, the mechanism can be used to describe infinite objects using only a finite description.

Recursion is an important principle in the theory of computation, a branch of mathematics that demonstrates whether something is computable [Page 1572]and how. This led to the creation of computer science. Furthermore, recursion is a fundamental principle that is found in all cognitive sciences. The principle of recursion was used in linguistics by Noam Chomsky to explain how it is possible for a human being to generate an infinite number of sentences from a limited number of rules ...