JavaScript RangeError: Maximum Call Stack Size Exceeded

The JavaScript RangeError: Maximum call stack size exceeded is an error that occurs when there are too many function calls, or if a function is missing a base case.

Error message:

RangeError: Maximum call stack size exceeded

Error Type:

RangeError

What Causes RangeError: Maximum Call Stack Size Exceeded

The RangeError: Maximum call stack size exceeded is thrown when a function call is made that exceeds the call stack size. This can occur due to the following reasons:

• Too many function calls.
• Issues in handling recursion, e.g. missing base case in a recursive function to stop calling itself infinitely.
• Out of range operations.

RangeError: Maximum Call Stack Size Exceeded Example

Here’s an example of a JavaScript RangeError: Maximum call stack size exceeded thrown when using a recursive function that does not have a base case:

function myFunc() {
    myFunc();
}

myFunc();

Since the recursive function myFunc() does not have a terminating condition (base case), calling it creates an infinite loop as the function keeps calling itself over and over again until the RangeError: Maximum call stack size exceeded error occurs:

Uncaught RangeError: Maximum call stack size exceeded
    at myFunc (test.js:2:2)
    at myFunc (test.js:2:2)
    at myFunc (test.js:2:2)
    at myFunc (test.js:2:2)
    at myFunc (test.js:2:2)
    at myFunc (test.js:2:2)
    at myFunc (test.js:2:2)
    at myFunc (test.js:2:2)
    at myFunc (test.js:2:2)
    at myFunc (test.js:2:2)

How to Avoid RangeError: Maximum Call Stack Size Exceeded

If this error is encountered when calling recursive functions, it should be ensured that the function has a defined base case to terminate the recursive calls.

In case this error occurs due to an excessive number of function calls or variables, these should be reduced as much as possible. Any out of range operations should also be checked and avoided. These issues can be inspected using the browser console and developer tools.

The earlier example can be updated to include a base case:

function myFunc(i) {
    if (i >= 5) {
        return;
    }
    myFunc(i+1);
}

myFunc(1);

The above code avoids the error since recursive calls terminate when the base case is met.

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