Image for non-deterministic finite automaton (NFA)

non-deterministic finite automaton (NFA)

A non-deterministic finite automaton (NFA) is a theoretical model used in computer science to recognize patterns in input data. Unlike a traditional automaton, which has a single set path for processing input, an NFA can explore multiple paths simultaneously. This means it can be in multiple states at once when reading an input string. If any of those paths lead to a final state, the input is considered accepted. NFAs are useful for designing algorithms in areas like text processing and compiler construction, as they provide a flexible approach to analyzing complex patterns.

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  • Image for non-deterministic finite automaton (NFA)

    A Non-deterministic Finite Automaton (NFA) is a type of computational model used in computer science to recognize patterns or languages. Unlike its deterministic counterpart, an NFA can have multiple possible states for a given input at any time. This means that when reading a string of symbols, it can "choose" between different paths through its states. While it may seem chaotic, this flexibility allows NFAs to be more efficient in some cases. Ultimately, NFAs can be used to determine whether a string belongs to a specific set of strings defined by certain rules.