JAVA PROGRAM • LEVEL 08 — METHODS & RECURSION

Calculate Factorial Recursively in Java

Learn calculate factorial recursively in java with a complete, compiler-ready Java 17 example.

IntermediateRecursionBase case

PROBLEM UNDERSTANDING

Input and expected output

Sample input
No input required
Sample output
120

COMPLETE JAVA 17 PROGRAM

Complete Java 17 implementation

java-recursive-factorial.java
Open in compiler
class Main {
    static long factorial(int n) { return n<=1?1:n*factorial(n-1); }
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println(factorial(5));
    }
}

GUIDED CODE TOUR • NOT LIVE EXECUTION

Study the program line by line

Use the real compiler button above to run and debug with different inputs.

CURRENT STEP

Select Start to walk through the important lines.

SELECTED LINE

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EXPECTED OUTPUT FOR THE SAMPLE

120
0%Step 0 of 0

PROGRAM EXPLANATION

Algorithm and explanation

  1. Initialize the deterministic sample values used for calculate factorial recursively in java.
  2. Apply Recursion and Base case in the order shown by the program.
  3. Print the final result and compare it with the documented sample output.

This Java 17 example demonstrates Recursion and Base case through a complete, executable program. The values are intentionally small so students can trace each statement, verify the output, and then modify the example safely in the online compiler.

EFFICIENCY

Time and space complexity

Time complexity

O(n)

Auxiliary space

O(n)

DEBUGGING CHECKLIST

Common mistakes

Check this

Keep the class name Main and the entry method signature public static void main(String[] args) when using the online compiler.

Check this

Use Recursion with compatible Java types; Java checks types and method signatures at compile time.

Check this

Java is case-sensitive, and every statement that requires a semicolon must end with one.

Try it yourself

Practice: Run the program with the sample input, predict its output, and then test one boundary case of your own.