Alice: What is the meaning of state in TOC.
Published: 2024-04-03 05:55:47


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Alice asked: but what is "state" meaning here? Is it the same "state" we use as synonym of condition or it's something else?

Bob: "Great question, Alice! In the context of Theory of Computation and finite automata, a 'state' is indeed similar to a 'condition'. It represents the status of a system at a particular point in time. For example, in the case of the automatic door, the 'state' could be 'OPEN' or 'CLOSED', indicating whether the door is open or closed at a given moment. This 'state' changes based on inputs, like someone approaching the door. So, while 'state' and 'condition' can be synonyms in everyday language, 'state' has a specific meaning in the context of computation and automata.

Alice (Exclaimed): oh!! you said 'state' has a specific meaning in the context of computation and automata." I wonder what it would be.

Bob: "Absolutely, Alice! In the context of computation and automata, a 'state' is a specific condition or status that a system or process can be in at a given time. It's a snapshot of the system at a particular moment.
For example, consider a traffic light. It can be in one of three states: 'RED', 'YELLOW', or 'GREEN'. Each state represents a different condition of the traffic light and dictates a different behavior for drivers.
Similarly, in a computational system like a finite automaton, states represent different conditions of the system. Transitions between states occur based on certain inputs or conditions.
In our automatic door example, the states were 'OPEN' and 'CLOSED', and the door transitioned between these states based on whether someone was near the door or not.
So, while 'state' in everyday language often means a condition or circumstance, in computation and automata, it has this more specific meaning related to the status of a system or process."

Alice: So… okay… nice…. If I am getting you right, then the state depends on input, and as input changes, so does the state. It's like a button for turning off and turning on. If you turn on the bulb, it will light up, and if you turn it off, the bulb will be turned off.

Bob: "Exactly, Alice! You've got it. The state of a system, like a light bulb, can indeed change based on input, like flipping a switch. If the switch is turned 'ON', the bulb's state changes to 'ON', and it lights up. If the switch is turned 'OFF', the bulb's state changes to 'OFF', and it goes dark. This is a simple example of how states and inputs work in systems. Well done!"

Alice: Okay, now we are getting somewhere, but you have used some strange words in your explanation: 'Automata,' 'automation,' and 'finite automaton.' I am not aware of these words.

Bob: "Well these are typical technical words which we use in TOC. Let me help you in these words.
Automata is nothing but a mathematical machine for clear understanding you can omit mathematical word for now. Think of it as a machine that can be in different states You can assume automata as traffic light that can be red, yellow, or green, and if these lights are working without any intervention of human it's Automation that's why we use word Automatically and Finite Automata is a type of machine that has a limited number of states. For example, a door that can be either 'open' or 'closed or a traffic light which has 6 stages only."

Alice: "Ah, so these terms are closely related!"

Bob: "Exactly! They are indeed closely related."

[The Snowstorm has been stopped; Alice was ready heading towards his home]

Alice: (gathering her things) Well, Bob, this has been enlightening. I'm going to head home and dive into this chapter on Finite Automata.

Bob: Sounds like a plan. Let me know if you have any questions after you've read it.

Alice: Definitely. (smiling) And thanks for the impromptu lesson today. It's cleared up a lot of confusion for me.

Bob: Anytime, Alice. It's always a pleasure discussing TOC with someone as curious as you.

Alice: (heading towards the gate) Alright then, see you tomorrow! We'll have a lot to talk about, I'm sure.

Bob: (waving goodbye) See you, Alice. Enjoy the reading and the sunshine!



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