PCEP Control Flow, Loops, Lists and Logic Practice Question
A developer writes a recursive function to compute factorial, but it causes a RecursionError. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
Python Institute often tests the concept that a missing base case is the direct cause of infinite recursion and RecursionError, not other common mistakes like incorrect return types or parameter issues.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The function lacks a base case to stop recursion
A recursive function must have a base case that stops further recursive calls. Without it, the function calls itself indefinitely until the recursion limit is exceeded, raising a RecursionError. In Python, the default recursion limit is 1000, and exceeding it triggers this error.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The function returns a string instead of an integer
Why it's wrong here
This causes a type error, not recursion limit.
- ✓
The function lacks a base case to stop recursion
Why this is correct
Correct: without base case, recursion never terminates, exceeding max recursion depth.
- ✗
The function modifies a global variable incorrectly
Why it's wrong here
This could cause logical errors but not RecursionError.
- ✗
The function uses too many parameters
Why it's wrong here
Number of parameters does not cause RecursionError.
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