state machine

[/steɪt məˈʃiːn/]
nounpl: state machines
máquina de estados
1. An abstract machine consisting of a finite number of states, transitions between those states, and actions, used to model the behavior of systems in computer science and engineering
The traffic light system can be modeled as a state machine with three states: red, yellow, and green.
O sistema de semáforo pode ser modelado como uma máquina de estados com três estados: vermelho, amarelo e verde.
2. A computational model used to design algorithms and control systems that transition between discrete states based on inputs and conditions
The developer implemented a state machine to handle the various phases of the user authentication process.
O desenvolvedor implementou uma máquina de estados para gerenciar as várias fases do processo de autenticação do usuário.
3. A formal model in computer science consisting of states, transitions, and outputs used to describe and implement sequential logic
Finite state machines are fundamental to compiler design and parsing algorithms.
As máquinas de estados finitos são fundamentais para o design de compiladores e algoritmos de análise sintática.
In both Brazilian and American technical communities, 'state machine' is a fundamental concept in software engineering, digital logic design, and systems architecture. The term is widely used in industry documentation, academic settings, and open-source projects. In Portuguese-speaking countries, 'máquina de estados' is the standard translation and is commonly abbreviated as 'ME' in technical discussions.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
finite state machineFSMautomatonstate automaton

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
máquina de estados
Standard term used in computer science education and industry
Portugal
máquina de estados
Same usage as Brazilian Portuguese, though sometimes expanded to 'máquina de estados finitos' for emphasis
Technical contexts
autômato
More formal academic term, less common in industry

Related Words

statetransitionfinite automatonMealy machineMoore machineinputoutput

Related Idioms & Phrases

transition between states
define a state machine
implement a state machine
state machine architecture
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