2907	 The Optimal Approach to Recursive Programs	 The classical fixed poin t approach toward recursive programs suggests choosing the least defined fixed poin t as the most appropriate solution to a recursive program. A new approach is described which in troduction an optimal fixed point which in contrast to the least defined fixed poin t embodies the maximal amount of valuable information embedded in the program. The practical implications of this approach are discussed and techniques for proving properties of optimal fixed poin t are given. The presentation is informal with emphasis on examples. recursive programs fixed poin ts least fixedpoints optimal fixed poin ts proof techniques
