DFA (deterministic finite automaton)

A Deterministic Finite Automaton (DFA) is a mathematical model used to recognize patterns or languages within sequences of symbols, like words made of letters. It consists of a finite set of states, with one start state and certain states designated as accepting states. As symbols are read one by one, the DFA transitions between states according to predefined rules. If, after processing all symbols, the DFA ends in an accepting state, the input is recognized as part of the pattern it was designed to identify. DFAs are fundamental tools in computer science for lexical analysis, pattern matching, and designing digital systems.