Smlike

SMlike is a term used in several fields to describe something that resembles a state machine or, in a different context, features influenced by social media interfaces. There is no single, formal definition.

In software engineering, SMlike typically refers to systems that model control flow as discrete states and transitions between them. These systems respond to events with deterministic outputs, support traceability, and are amenable to verification and testing. Common realizations include finite-state machines, statecharts, and event-driven architectures. SMlike designs are found in embedded firmware, protocol handlers, workflow engines, and other areas where predictable behavior is important.

In user interface and product design, SMlike describes interfaces that mimic social-media interaction patterns, such as feeds, likes, shares, comments, and follower-style relationships. The term emphasizes engagement-focused, feed-driven experiences but is informal and context-dependent, not a formal standard.

In other uses, SMlike may appear as shorthand for models that are similar to state machines or that employ simple, rule-based transitions in modeling tasks.

Because usage varies by domain, when encountering SMlike it is best to consult domain-specific documentation to determine which meaning applies. See also: State machine, Finite-state machine, Statechart, Social media.