Base Case

Base case can refer to:

  • A case of a recursive definition that is not defined in terms of itself
  • The basis in mathematical induction, showing that a statement holds when n is equal to the lowest value that n is given in the question (usually, n = 0 or n = 1)

Famous quotes containing the words base and/or case:

    Study is like the heaven’s glorious sun,
    That will not be deep searched with saucy looks;
    Small have continual plodders ever won,
    Save base authority from others’ books.
    William Shakespeare (1564–1616)

    I often used to think myself in the case of the fox-hunter, who, when he had toiled and sweated all day in the chase as if some unheard-of blessing was to crown his success, finds at last all he has got by his labor is a stinking nauseous animal. But my condition was yet worse than his; for he leaves the loathsome wretch to be torn by his hounds, whilst I was obliged to fondle mine, and meanly pretend him to be the object of my love.
    Sarah Fielding (1710–1768)