$IterationLimit
gives the maximum length of evaluation chain used in trying to evaluate any expression.
Details

- $IterationLimit limits the number of times the Wolfram Language tries to reevaluate a particular expression.
- $IterationLimit gives an upper limit on the length of any list that can be generated by Trace.
Examples
open allclose allBasic Examples (2)
The default $IterationLimit:
Define a function in an iterative fashion:
Evaluate by temporarily setting $IterationLimit to a different value:

With a higher $IterationLimit, the function can be computed:
Properties & Relations (2)
Possible Issues (1)
$IterationLimit only applies to reevaluation of expressions and not looping constructs like Do and While:
Text
Wolfram Research (1991), $IterationLimit, Wolfram Language function, https://reference.wolfram.com/language/ref/$IterationLimit.html.
CMS
Wolfram Language. 1991. "$IterationLimit." Wolfram Language & System Documentation Center. Wolfram Research. https://reference.wolfram.com/language/ref/$IterationLimit.html.
APA
Wolfram Language. (1991). $IterationLimit. Wolfram Language & System Documentation Center. Retrieved from https://reference.wolfram.com/language/ref/$IterationLimit.html