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(summary via gpt4/editing) Discusses the fundamental role of state machines in computer science. In computer science, there's an excessive focus on languages,
by WhitneyLand 3y ago
(summary via gpt4/editing)
Discusses the fundamental role of state machines in computer science.
In computer science, there's an excessive focus on languages, often obscuring the fact that languages all describe state machines.
The document intends to demonstrate how state machines express computation and clarify the concepts underpinning the various languages used to describe computations. It then delves into state machines' function within the sphere of 'correctness' in computer science, drawing on works related to Abstract State Machines by Yuri Gurevich and others.
- mistrial9 3y ago> languages all describe state machines this is not accurate; some computer programs behave like state machines, but others do not .. not even close
- WhitneyLand 3y agoI think you’re correct practically speaking. The spirit of what you’re saying is true. However technically, and pedantically, all programs must behave like state machines. Btw it looks like it’s the author of the paper, not gpt4 making this confusing point so if one disagrees with the summary it’s a disagreement with the paper. Here’s a link that covers your specific point: https://softwareengineering.stackexchange.com/a/288063 https://softwareengineering.stackexchange.com/a/288063
- jonsen 3y agoComputers are general concrete state machines. Computer programs behave by conducting a computer into a specific state machine behaviour. So it can't be wrong to say that all computer programs describe state machines.
- jayd16 3y agoAs others have said, I think a programming language must reduce to a state machine but I'm curious what your counter example is especially considering your conviction that it's not even close.