Abstract

Although it is considered an essential part of every software developer's toolkit, not many really understand the value and usage of a Finite State Machine (FSM). Mathematical entities which can be used to model systems as simple as a vending machine and as complex as any computer, FSMs can be used in a wide range of applications such as particle accelerators, inventory tracking, and computer music.

During this presentation, the audience will learn:

• The definition of abstract state machines,
• The use of state machines for analysis and design, and
• The use of state machines for structuring computer software code.

Biography

Lee Chapman is a Senior Software Developer for Geneer Corporation, a leading software development services firm. Prior to his work at Geneer, Lee helped physicists smash atoms at Fermilab for seventeen years working on the accelator control system. In addition to being a software developer, Lee is a composer (computer music and non-computer music), artist (on and off the computer), and writer of poems and songs.