Question

PS3,Q1. I am trying to write a recursive function that will find the number of times one string (key) is located in another string (target). It's a simple problem, but I am wondering how to count the number of times the key has been found in the target without using a global variable. (i.e. Is is possible to keep a count of how many times a recursive function has run without using a global variable?)

http://codepad.org/Fh5OS8CL

Answer 1

You can pass a hidden parameter to the function, namely count, which defaults to 0, then increment it, and keep calling the function with the new count. Check: http://codepad.org/JY3D31c1

Answer 2

Interesting. Didn't know you could pass a hidden parameter. Thanks for the help.

Answer 3

here is one way to count things recursively
http://pastebin.com/J0VqcGCF

Answer 4

@bwCA: Thanks for the tip. But how do I get the output of the function to print? I know I could define a second function that simply prints what is returned in the count_letters function, but is there another way to do it?

http://codepad.org/4r7j0sn5

Answer 5

Nvmd. Codepad doesn't print a return command, but python shell does. I wonder if I'm doing something wrong on codepad.

Answer 6

http://codepad.org/a0BTzuS0

Answer 7

yeah. that makes sense. i don't know why i didn't think of that. thanks.