Finite

Technology and engineering

Finite-state machines are theoretical models of computation, and are used to design physical computing devices, such as CPUs. The states of a finite-state machine are analogous to values stored in the memory of a digital device. The machine begins in its initial state and then may transition to other states, one state at a time. In order to define the machine as a whole, each state must be specified. New states may not be added to the machine as a function of its operation. Some machines have a final or halting state, which if reached terminates operation of the machine. Since the machine is not subject to physical constraints, such as the need to dissipate heat, its operation is limited only by the theoretical constraint that it be in one and only one state at a time.