A finite state machine (FSM) is a computational model used to describe the behavior of systems that can exist in a predefined set of states and undergo transitions between these states. It is a concept in theoretical computer science and digital logic design.
In a FSM, the system's behavior is determined by its current state and input signals, which cause it to transition to a new state as a response. The FSM consists of a set of states, a set of inputs, a set of outputs, and a transition function. The states represent the different configurations that the system can possess, the inputs represent the signals that can influence the system's behavior, and the outputs represent the results or actions taken by the system in response to these inputs.
The transition function defines the behavior of the FSM by specifying the next state based on the current state and the input signal received. The transitions can be deterministic, where each input leads to a unique next state, or non-deterministic, allowing for multiple possible next states.
FSMs are commonly used in areas such as control systems, digital circuits, and software engineering. They provide a simple and efficient way to model systems with a finite number of possible states and well-defined transitions between them. By capturing the system's behavior in a formal and structured manner, FSMs enable analysis, verification, and design of complex systems, making them an essential tool in various domains of computer science and engineering.
