Finite state automaton

A finite state automaton (FSA) is a mathematical model used to represent systems that have a limited number of conditions or "states." It processes a sequence of inputs, moving between states based on specific rules. Think of it like a flowchart where each step depends on the current situation and the input received. FSAs are useful for designing and understanding systems like digital circuits, language parsers, and communication protocols, because they provide a structured way to predict outcomes and control behavior based on past inputs and current conditions.