Abstract machines
An abstract machine is a theoretical model that describes the behavior of a computing system in a way that abstracts away from the specifics of the hardware or implementation details. It defines a set of rules and states that can be used to simulate the computational process. Abstract machines are often employed in computer science to understand, analyze, and design programming languages, algorithms, and computational models.
Actor model (computer science)
The Actor model is a conceptual model for designing and implementing systems in a concurrent and distributed manner. It was introduced by Carl Hewitt, Peter Bishop, and Richard Stein in the early 1970s and has since influenced various programming languages and frameworks. The essential components of the Actor model include: 1. **Actors**: The fundamental units of computation in the Actor model. An actor can: - Receive messages from other actors. - Process those messages asynchronously. - Maintain state.
Automata (computation)
Automata theory is a branch of computer science and mathematics that deals with the study of abstract machines and the problems they can solve. It focuses on the definition and properties of various types of automata, which are mathematical models that represent computation and can perform tasks based on given inputs.
Combinatory logic
Combinatory logic is a branch of mathematical logic and theoretical computer science that deals with the study of combinators, which are basic, higher-order functions that can be combined to manipulate and transform data. It was introduced by the mathematician Haskell Curry and is closely related to lambda calculus. Key concepts include: 1. **Combinators**: These are abstract entities that combine arguments to produce results without needing to reference variables.
Computation oracles
Computation oracles are theoretical constructs used primarily in computer science, particularly in the fields of complexity theory and cryptography. An oracle is essentially a black box that can answer certain questions or perform specific computations instantaneously, regardless of their complexity. This allows theoreticians to explore the limits of computation and understand how certain problems relate to others.
Distributed stream processing
Distributed stream processing is a computational paradigm that involves processing data streams in a distributed manner, allowing for the handling of high volumes of real-time data that are continuously generated. This approach is essential for applications that require immediate insights from incoming data, such as real-time analytics, event monitoring, and responsive systems.
Persistence
Persistence generally refers to the ability to continue an action or maintain a course of behavior despite challenges, obstacles, or difficulties. It can be understood in several contexts: 1. **Psychological Context**: In a psychological sense, persistence relates to an individual's determination to achieve a goal or overcome adversity. It often involves qualities such as resilience, motivation, and a strong work ethic.
Programming paradigms
Programming paradigms are fundamental styles or approaches to programming that dictate how software development is conceptualized and structured. Different paradigms provide unique ways of thinking about problems and their solutions, influencing how programmers design and implement software. Here are some of the most common programming paradigms: 1. **Procedural Programming**: This paradigm is based on the concept of procedure calls, where a program is structured around procedures or routines (also known as functions) that can be invoked.
Register machines
Register machines are a theoretical model of computation used in computer science to explore the foundations of computation and algorithmic processes. They provide a framework for understanding how algorithms can be executed and how computations can be formalized. ### Key Characteristics of Register Machines: 1. **Registers**: The fundamental components of a register machine are its registers. These are storage locations that can hold a finite number of integers. The number of registers can vary, but simplicity often allows for a small, fixed number.
Stack machines
Stack machines are a type of abstract computing machine that uses a last-in, first-out (LIFO) stack data structure to perform operations. In stack machines, instructions typically operate on values taken from the top of the stack and push the results back onto the stack. This design simplifies the instruction set and can lead to efficient implementation of certain algorithms and operations.
Transition systems
A transition system is a mathematical model used to represent the behavior of dynamic systems. It is often employed in fields such as computer science, particularly in formal methods, automata theory, and the study of reactive systems. Transition systems are used to describe how a system evolves over time through state transitions based on various inputs or conditions.
Abstract machine
An abstract machine is a theoretical model used to define the behavior of computing systems or algorithms in a simplified manner. It provides a framework for understanding how computation occurs without getting bogged down in the intricacies of specific hardware or programming language implementations. Here are a few key points about abstract machines: 1. **Definition**: An abstract machine describes the necessary components (like memory, processor, and state) and rules that dictate how these components interact to perform computations.
Abstract state machine
An Abstract State Machine (ASM) is a theoretical model used in computer science to describe the behavior of computational systems in a precise and abstract way. ASMs provide a framework for modeling algorithms and systems in terms of their states and transitions without delving into implementation details, making them useful for formal verification, specification, and understanding complex systems.
Alternating Turing machine
An Alternating Turing Machine (ATM) is a theoretical model of computation that extends the regular Turing machine by incorporating the concept of nondeterminism in a more expressive way. It is part of the class of automata used in computational complexity theory.
Applicative computing systems
Applicative computing systems refer to a paradigm of computation that emphasizes the application of functions to arguments in a way that is often associated with functional programming concepts. In such systems, the primary mechanism of computation involves the evaluation of function applications rather than the manipulation of state or stateful computations typical of imperative programming.
A Behavior Tree (BT) is a formalism used in artificial intelligence, particularly in robotics and game development, to model the behavior of agents (which could be robots, characters, or autonomous systems). It is an alternative to state machines and decision trees, providing a hierarchical structure that helps manage complex behaviors in a modular and reusable way. ### Key Components of Behavior Trees: 1. **Nodes:** The basic building blocks of a behavior tree.
Billiard-ball computer
A billiard-ball computer is a theoretical model of computation that uses a physical analogy based on the movement of billiard balls on a table to perform calculations. The concept was introduced by physicist Edward Fredkin and computer scientist William E. D. W. M. L. Quine in the 1980s as part of their exploration of how physical systems can be used to compute.
Biological computing
Biological computing, also known as biomolecular computing or DNA computing, is an interdisciplinary field that utilizes biological molecules and processes to perform computational tasks. This innovative approach leverages the principles of biology, computer science, and engineering to create systems that can process information in ways that traditional electronic computers do not. ### Key Aspects of Biological Computing: 1. **DNA Computing**: - DNA molecules can be used to store information and perform calculations through biochemical reactions.
Blum–Shub–Smale machine
The Blum–Shub–Smale (BSS) machine is a theoretical computational model used in computer science, particularly in the field of complexity theory. It is designed to operate over real numbers, extending the concepts of traditional Turing machines, which work with discrete symbols from a finite alphabet. The BSS model provides a framework for exploring computation involving real numbers and other computational constructs like algebraic numbers.
Bulk synchronous parallel
Bulk Synchronous Parallel (BSP) is a parallel computing model that provides a structured way to design and analyze parallel algorithms. It was proposed as a way to bridge the gap between synchronous and asynchronous parallel computing by combining the benefits of both while simplifying the programming model. Here are the key components and concepts associated with BSP: ### Key Components: 1. **Supersteps**: The BSP model divides computation into a series of discrete phases called supersteps.