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c#recursionlambdafactorial

C#: Recursive functions with Lambdas


The below does not compile:

Func<int, int> fac = n => (n <= 1) ? 1 : n * fac(n - 1);

Local variable 'fac' might not be initialized before accessing

How can you make a recursive function with lambdas?

[Update]

Here are also two links that I found interesting to read:

  1. Eric Lippert's "Why does a recursive lambda cause a definite assignment error?"
  2. Anonymous Recursion in C#

Solution

  • This particular style of function is not supported by C# as a single line declaration. You have to separate out the declaration and definition into 2 lines

    Func<int, int> fac = null;
    fac = n => (n <= 1) ? 1 : n * fac(n - 1);