FSM stands for Finite State Machine. It refers to a mathematical model used to describe the behavior of systems that can be in a limited number of distinct states. In other words, FSM is a computational model consisting of a set of states, transitions between those states, and actions that occur in response to specific events or stimuli.
The concept of FSM is widely used in computer science and engineering to design and analyze systems that exhibit discrete behavior. It provides a systematic way to represent how a system behaves at various times and under different conditions. FSMs are employed in various applications such as software development, digital circuit design, game development, and artificial intelligence systems.
In an FSM, each individual state represents a specific condition or mode that the system can be in. Transitions between states occur when specific events or inputs trigger a change in the system's state. These transitions can be deterministic, meaning that the next state is uniquely determined by the current state and the input, or non-deterministic, allowing multiple possible next states. Actions associated with each state or transition represent the output or behavior of the system in response to events.
Overall, FSM provides a valuable framework for modeling and understanding the behavior of discrete systems, allowing engineers and programmers to design efficient, reliable, and predictable systems in a wide range of applications.
