Állapotábrák

Állapotábrák, often translated as state diagrams or state machines, are a visual and mathematical modeling tool used to represent the behavior of a system. They depict a finite number of states that a system can be in, and the transitions that occur between these states based on certain events or conditions. The system is always in one of its possible states.

A state diagram consists of states, represented by nodes or circles, and transitions, represented by directed edges or arrows connecting the states. Each transition is labeled with an event or condition that triggers the change from one state to another. Initial states are typically indicated by a special symbol, often a filled circle, and terminal states, if they exist, might be marked with a thicker circle.

These diagrams are particularly useful in computer science, engineering, and logic design for describing the behavior of software, hardware, and complex processes. They allow for a clear understanding of how a system will react to different inputs and situations. Applications range from designing user interfaces and communication protocols to modeling the logic of embedded systems and artificial intelligence. The systematic representation provided by state diagrams helps in identifying potential issues, verifying functionality, and communicating system design effectively. They are a fundamental concept in finite state machine theory.