Recall that a recursive function solves a problem by calling itself with a simpler input, until it reaches the base case that stops the recursion:





def list_sum(numbers):
    if not numbers:                            # Base case
        return 0
    return numbers[0] + list_sum(numbers[1:]) # Recursive case

Notice how each recursive call works on a **smaller version** of the input — in this case, the list without its first element. The same approach applies when processing strings character by character.


import unittest

def _dynamic_test(test_case, condition, success_message, failure_message):
    if condition:
        test_case._testMethodName = success_message
        test_case.assertTrue(True, success_message)
    else:
        test_case._testMethodName = failure_message
        test_case.fail(failure_message)

class TestFormatPhoneNumber(unittest.TestCase):

    def test_parentheses_and_spaces(self):
        import user_code
        try:
            result = user_code.format_phone_number("(123) 456-7890")
            expected = "1234567890"
            condition = result == expected
            failure_message = f"Expected `{expected}` for `'(123) 456-7890'`, but got `{result}`."
        except AttributeError:
            condition = False
            failure_message = "The function `format_phone_number` is not defined."
        _dynamic_test(self, condition, f"The `format_phone_number` correctly handles parentheses and spaces.", failure_message)

    def test_dashes_and_plus(self):
        import user_code
        try:
            result = user_code.format_phone_number("  +1-800-555-0199  ")
            expected = "18005550199"
            condition = result == expected
            failure_message = f"Expected `{expected}` for `'  +1-800-555-0199  '`, but got `{result}`."
        except AttributeError:
            condition = False
            failure_message = "The function `format_phone_number` is not defined."
        _dynamic_test(self, condition, "The `format_phone_number` correctly handles dashes and plus signs.", failure_message)

    def test_dots(self):
        import user_code
        try:
            result = user_code.format_phone_number("987.654.3210")
            expected = "9876543210"
            condition = result == expected
            failure_message = f"Expected `{expected}` for `'987.654.3210'`, but got `{result}`."
        except AttributeError:
            condition = False
            failure_message = "The function `format_phone_number` is not defined."
        _dynamic_test(self, condition, "The `format_phone_number` correctly handles dots.", failure_message)

    def test_empty_string(self):
        import user_code
        try:
            result = user_code.format_phone_number("")
            expected = ""
            condition = result == expected
            failure_message = f"Expected an empty string for an empty input, but got `{result}`."
        except AttributeError:
            condition = False
            failure_message = "The function `format_phone_number` is not defined."
        _dynamic_test(self, condition, "The `format_phone_number` correctly returns an empty string for empty input.", failure_message)

    def test_recursion_used(self):
        import user_code
        import inspect
        try:
            source = inspect.getsource(user_code.format_phone_number)
            condition = "format_phone_number(" in source.split("def format_phone_number")[1]
            failure_message = "Expected `format_phone_number` to call itself recursively."
        except AttributeError:
            condition = False
            failure_message = "The function `format_phone_number` is not defined."
        _dynamic_test(self, condition, "The `format_phone_number` function uses recursion.", failure_message)

if __name__ == '__main__':
    unittest.main()

test_main.py

Gain a solid understanding of how functions shape Python programming. Master defining and calling functions, working with arguments, handling return values, and creating flexible, efficient code using recursion and lambda expressions.

Explore what functions are and why they're essential in Python. Learn how to create functions, define arguments, handle return values, and use built-in functions effectively.

Learn how positional and optional arguments work in Python. Build adaptable functions that handle different inputs and improve flexibility in your code.

Understand how to work with arbitrary and keyword arguments to handle variable input sizes. Learn how these techniques make your functions more dynamic and organized.

Discover how return values represent a function's output. Learn to return single or multiple values, use None, and explore generators for more advanced data flow control.

Unlock advanced function concepts with recursion and lambda functions. Learn how recursion solves repetitive problems and how lambda expressions create concise, one-line functions.

Challenge: Formatting a Phone Number

Solution