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It2 Innovative Internal Test

The document provides an overview of Non-deterministic Finite Automata (NFAs), including their formal definition, transition diagrams, and operation in processing input. It highlights the advantages and disadvantages of NFAs compared to Deterministic Finite Automata (DFAs) and discusses their applications in pattern matching, lexical analysis, and network security. The document also addresses the conversion of NFAs to DFAs, noting potential challenges such as state explosion.

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Amit Kumar
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7 views9 pages

It2 Innovative Internal Test

The document provides an overview of Non-deterministic Finite Automata (NFAs), including their formal definition, transition diagrams, and operation in processing input. It highlights the advantages and disadvantages of NFAs compared to Deterministic Finite Automata (DFAs) and discusses their applications in pattern matching, lexical analysis, and network security. The document also addresses the conversion of NFAs to DFAs, noting potential challenges such as state explosion.

Uploaded by

Amit Kumar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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IT2: INNOVATIVE

INTERNAL TEST
NAME-ISHWAR SINGH

ROLL.NO-202310101150189

COURSE-B.TECH CSE D.S+A.I

SUBJECT-FLAT
Non-deterministic Finite
Automata (NFA)
This presentation introduces Non-deterministic Finite Automata (NFAs), a fundamental concept in computer science
and automata theory. We will explore the definition, purpose, and advantages of NFAs, contrasting them with
Deterministic Finite Automata (DFAs). We'll also examine real-world applications, including pattern matching and
compilers, providing a comprehensive overview of NFAs and their significance in various fields.
Formal Definition of an NFA

1 5-tuple Representation 2 Components Defined 3 Transition Function


An NFA is formally defined as a Q represents the finite set of The transition function (Δ) is a
5-tuple (Q, Σ, Δ, q0, F), where states, such as {q0, q1, q2}. Σ key characteristic of NFAs.
each component plays a denotes the finite alphabet, Unlike DFAs, it produces a set
crucial role in defining the like {0, 1}. Δ is the transition of possible next states for a
automaton's behavior. function, mapping Q x (Σ ∪ given state and input symbol
{ε}) to P(Q). q0 is the start (or ε), allowing for multiple
state, an element of Q, and F paths.
is the set of accept states, a
subset of Q.
NFA Transition Diagrams
Visual Representation Elements of the Diagram Example

Transition diagrams provide a States are represented as circles, Consider an NFA that accepts
visual representation of NFA states and transitions between states are strings ending in "01". Its transition
and transitions, making it easier to depicted as labeled arrows. A key diagram would illustrate how the
understand the automaton's feature of NFAs is the ε-transition, automaton moves between states
behavior. which represents a state change upon encountering '0' and '1',
without consuming any input. eventually reaching an accepting
state if the string ends with "01".
NFA Operation: Processing Input
Start at q0
The NFA begins processing input from the start state (q0), following transitions based on the input symbols
encountered.

Multiple Paths
Due to the non-deterministic nature, there can be multiple possible paths through the automaton as it
processes the input.

Acceptance
The NFA accepts the input string if any of these paths leads to an accepting state (a state within the set F).
Example NFA: Accepting "001"
q0 {q0, q1} {q0}

q1 {q2} {}

q2 {} {q3}

q3 {} {}

This NFA recognizes strings containing "001". It starts at q0. Upon reading '0', it can either stay in q0 or move to q1.
From q1, reading '0' transitions to q2. Finally, reading '1' from q2 leads to q3, the accepting state. If the input string
contains "001", at least one path will lead to q3, and the string is accepted.
NFA to DFA Conversion
Conceptual Simplicity
NFAs are often conceptually simpler to design, especially for certain languages, offering a more intuitive approach.

Implementation Ease (DFA)


DFAs, on the other hand, are generally easier to implement in hardware and software due to their deterministic nature.

Subset Construction
The subset construction algorithm is used to create DFA states from sets of NFA states, ensuring that the resulting
DFA is equivalent to the original NFA.

State Explosion
The conversion process can lead to a state explosion, where the resulting DFA may have up to 2^n states in the
worst-case scenario, where 'n' is the number of states in the NFA.
Applications of NFAs
Pattern Matching Lexical Analysis Network Security
NFAs are widely used in regular They play a crucial role in lexical NFAs are employed in protocol
expression engines like grep and analysis within compilers, analysis and network intrusion
sed for efficient pattern breaking down source code into detection systems to identify
matching in text. tokens. malicious patterns in network
traffic.
Advantages and Disadvantages of NFAs
Advantages Disadvantages

• Simpler design for some languages • Non-deterministic execution


• Easier construction from regular expressions • Requires backtracking or parallel processing
• More concise representation for complex patterns • DFA conversion can lead to state explosion

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