circular reference
Definition cites itself
A circular reference occurs when something refers back to itself, creating an endless loop.
In spreadsheets, a formula that references its own cell creates a circular reference and usually triggers an error.
The term extends to any self-referential structure: The dictionary defined "word" using the word "word"—a circular reference.
Documentation that sends you in circles suffers from the same problem.
Unending causal chain
- ouroborosSelf-consuming serpent emblem
- chicken-and-eggMutual causation puzzle
- Catch-22Self-defeating logical trap
Exceeded call depth
- infinite loopCode cycling without end
- memory leakUnreturned allocated space
- garbage collectionScheduled waste removal service
- dangling pointerInvalid memory address holder
Assuming what needs proof
- question-beggingAssuming what's to be proved
- logical errorFlaw in reasoning
Continuing without outside help
- feedback loopSelf-modifying cyclical process
- downward spiralSelf-reinforcing deterioration
- entrapmentDefense against induced criminality
- escalationProgressive increase in intensity
cycle of poverty · cycle of abuse · self-defeating · no-win situation
Invalid mathematical expression
- workbookEducational exercise manual
- data validationConfirming information meets requirements
infinite regress
Unending causal chain
- ouroborosSelf-consuming serpent emblem
- chicken-and-eggMutual causation puzzle
- Catch-22Self-defeating logical trap
stack overflow
Exceeded call depth
- infinite loopCode cycling without end
- memory leakUnreturned allocated space
- garbage collectionScheduled waste removal service
begging the question
Assuming what needs proof
- question-beggingAssuming what's to be proved
- logical errorFlaw in reasoning
self-perpetuating
Continuing without outside help
- feedback loopSelf-modifying cyclical process
- downward spiralSelf-reinforcing deterioration
- entrapmentDefense against induced criminality
escalation · cycle of poverty · cycle of abuse · self-defeating · no-win situation
formula error
Invalid mathematical expression
- workbookEducational exercise manual
- data validationConfirming information meets requirements
- spreadsheet errorsdivide by zero, formula error, syntax error
- edge casesedge cases, special case, off-by-one, overflow, underflow
- smart pointersArc
- memory errorsmemory leak, false memory, memory distortion, misattribution, confabulation
circular referencebase case
Recursion's stopping condition
tree structure · hierarchical structure · constant · cascade · ground truth
circular, circle, circles, circled, circling, circlet, circularity, circularly, circulate