Recursive data type

Okay kiddo, so imagine you have some building blocks and you can use these blocks to make different types of structures. A recursive data type is like a special kind of building block that can be used to make structures that have repeating or nesting parts.

For example, let's say you're making a shape out of building blocks and the shape is a rectangle. But instead of just having a regular rectangle made of simple building blocks, you want to make a rectangle that has smaller rectangles inside of it. You can use a recursive data type, like a nested array, to create this shape.

Now, let's say you want to make an even more complex shape, like a tree. A tree is made up of branches, which can have even more branches coming off of them. Recursive data types can be used to make this type of structure. You can create a "tree" data type that has branches as its parts, and each branch can also be a "tree" data type that has branches as its parts, and so on.

So, a recursive data type is basically a building block that can be used to create more complex structures with repeating or nesting parts. It's like a special tool that helps us make things that would be too difficult or impossible to make otherwise.