Understanding Turing Machines
Understanding Turing Machines
TURING
MACHINES
The Foundation of
Computational Theory
Are You Smarter than a Turing
Machine?
Imagine a machine that can do everything a
modern computer does, but it only reads, writes,
and erases symbols on a strip of tape. What would
you use it for?
The Legacy of Alan Turing
Why Did Alan Turing Invent the Turing
Machine?
Year: 1936
To solve the "Entscheidungsproblem" (Decision
Problem) posed by David Hilbert.
Turing wanted to determine if a systematic
method exists to solve all mathematical
problems.
Created a theoretical machine to simulate
computation and explore the limits of what can
be computed.
The Legacy of Alan Turing
Turing Machines are a cornerstone of computer
science.
They teach us the limits and potential of
computation.
Alan Turing's work continues to inspire
innovation.
What is a Turing Machine?
Invented by Alan Turing in 1936.
A theoretical model that simulates any
computation.
What is a Turing Machine?
Consists of:
An infinite tape divided into cells.
A tape head that can read and write symbols.
A finite set of states and rules.
Key Components of a Turing
Machine
1. Tape: Infinite memory storage.
2. Tape Head: Reads and writes symbols, moves left or
right.
3. States: Determines the machine's behavior at each
step.
4. Transition Function: The set of rules that governs the
machine.
How Does a Turing Machine Operate?
1. Start in the initial state.
2. Read the symbol under the tape head.
3. Based on the current state and symbol:
4. Write a new symbol.
5. Move the tape left or right.
6. Transition to a new state.
7. Repeat until reaching the halting state.
Significance of Turing Machines