Recursive method to print value of each array index in order

Question

I am trying to write a recursive method that prints out each index of an array. My Hand class represents a hand of five cards, using a Card[] cards of length 5. Below is my method so far. It works but is there a better way to do this instead of having an integer parameter of the index to start from? Please help.

public static void printHandForward (Hand hand, int index) {
    if(index == hand.cards.length) {
        return;
    }
    else {
        Card.printCard(hand.cards[index]);
        index++;
        printHandForward(hand, index);
    }
}

A better way would be to use an enhanced for statement rather than recursion. — Andy Turner
– Andy Turner, Commented Dec 9, 2015 at 23:25
So you are calling this method and passing in the first index? — Ruchir Baronia
– Ruchir Baronia, Commented Dec 9, 2015 at 23:25

Andy Turner · Accepted Answer · 2015-12-09 23:40:47Z

1

If you must use recursion, you have to call this method with an int parameter somehow.

You can simply add an overload which just takes Hand, which calls your current method:

public static void printHandForward(Hand hand) {
  printHandForward(hand, 0);
}

However, avoiding recusion and just using an enhanced for statement would be much easier.

edited Dec 9, 2015 at 23:40

answered Dec 9, 2015 at 23:30

Andy Turner

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2 Comments

Andy Turner Over a year ago

@vishalgajera Do you understand what is meant by an overload?

Andy Turner Over a year ago

@vishalgajera your comment does not parse in English.

Slava Vedenin · Accepted Answer · 2015-12-09 23:36:01Z

0

Why you need a recursive method, and you couldn't use just:

public static void printHandForward (Hand hand) {
    for(Card card: hand.cards) {
        Card.printCard(card);
    }
}

?

If you really need a recursive method, I recommend use a following code:

printHandForward(hand, hand.length);
...
public static void printHandForward (Hand hand, int index) {
    if(index > -1) {
       printHandForward(hand, index -1);
       Card.printCard(hand.cards[index]);
    }
}

edited Dec 9, 2015 at 23:36

answered Dec 9, 2015 at 23:29

Slava Vedenin

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