What is Automata Theory? Study of abstract computing devices, or “machines” Automaton = an abstract computing device Note: A “device” need not even be a physical hardware! A . Introduction to automata theory, languages, and computation / by John E. Hopcroft, Rajeev Motwani, Jeffrey D. Ullman. -- 3rd ed. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references. What is the study of Automata Theory? The study of abstract computing devices, or “machines.” Why is this useful? Direct application to creating compilers, programming languages, .Nov 1, · 2nd Edition of the Cinderella book on TOC. What is Automata Theory? Study of abstract computing devices, or “machines” Automaton = an abstract computing device A fundamental question in computer science is: Finding out what different models of machines can do and cannot do The theory of computation Computability vs. Complexity. What is Automata Theory? Study of abstract computing devices, or “machines” Automaton = an abstract computing device Note: A “device” need not even be a physical hardware! A fundamental question in computer science: Find out what different models of machines can do and cannot do The theory of computation.