
models of computation
Models of computation are theoretical frameworks that describe how problems can be solved using algorithms and machines. They include concepts like Turing machines, which simulate the logic of a computer using simple steps; lambda calculus, focusing on functions and their applications; and automata, which are abstract machines modeling how systems process information through states and transitions. These models help us understand the limits of what can be computed, optimize algorithms, and explore the nature of problem-solving in computer science. They serve as foundational tools for designing actual computers and algorithms.