I have the following program 

```
public static int doSomething(int num){
    if(Math.abs(num) > 9){
        return (1 + doSomething( num / 10));
    }
    else{
        return 1;
    }
}
public static void main(String[] args){
    System.out.println(doSomething(333));
}

```

This is how I understand it. If the number is 333. 
`333 / 10` gives me `33`. Since 33 > 9 it runs the recursive loop again giving me `3`. 
After 3 it enters the else condition. 

I don't understand why it prints 3 as answer. 

I am new to java so still trying to understand the basics. 

I don't believe the question is a duplicate. My question is much simpler being a beginner to java. Also the question I believe is using javascript not java.