On Tue, 10 Sep 2002, P Chase wrote: > At 10:22 AM +0100 9/10/02, Lindsay Marshall wrote: > > > >I forgot automata theory. You really need to have a good grasp of > >> >the whole state machine idea to solve many problems successfully. > >> > >> Can you give an example of this? > > > >Well, any situation where you are looking for some kind of input that > >then determines the next thing that you do is in effect a state machine. > > Wouldn't that describe any computer program?
Yes. And it doesn't describe statemachines. Were he to change `then determines the next thing that you do' into `then determines the next thing that you do and waits for some other kind of input' it would effectively describe statemachines. And, in that case, not every computer program would fit the bill. Besides, I find it interesting that discrete mathematics, and in particular counting problems, have barely been mentioned in this thread. One of the few things I find myself doing extremely often is estimate how much work my program will need to do to solve a particular problem. The basic knowledge of discrete mathematics that allows me to count that has been indispensible, in my experience. Doei, Arthur. -- /\ / | [EMAIL PROTECTED] | Work like you don't need the money /__\ / | A friend is someone with whom | Love like you have never been hurt / \/__ | you can dare to be yourself | Dance like there's nobody watching - Automatic footer for [EMAIL PROTECTED] ---------------------------------- To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] unsubscribe discuss To join the announcements list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] subscribe announce To receive a help file, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] help This list is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/discuss%40ppig.org/ If you have any problems or questions, please mail [EMAIL PROTECTED]
