A Course In Formal Languages Automata And Groups

This book is based on notes for a master’s course given at Queen Mary, University of London, in the 1998/9 session. Such courses in London are quite short, and the course consisted essentially of the material in the ?rst three chapters, together with a two-hour lecture on connections with group theory. Chapter 5 is a considerably expanded version of this. For the course, the main sources were the books by Hopcroft and Ullman ([20]), by Cohen ([4]), and by Epstein et al. ([7]). Some use was also made of a later book by Hopcroft and Ullman ([21]). The ulterior motive in the ?rst three chapters is to give a rigorous proof that various notions of recursively enumerable language are equivalent. Three such notions are considered. These are: generated by a type 0 grammar, recognised by a Turing machine (deterministic or not) and de?ned by means of a Godel ̈ numbering, having de?ned “recursively enumerable” for sets of natural numbers. It is hoped that this has been achieved without too many ar- ments using complicated notation. This is a problem with the entire subject, and it is important to understand the idea of the proof, which is often quite simple. Two particular places that are heavy going are the proof at the end of Chapter 1 that a language recognised by a Turing machine is type 0, and the proof in Chapter 2 that a Turing machine computable function is partial recursive.

This book is based on notes for a master’s course given at Queen Mary, University of London, in the 1998/9 session. Such courses in London are quite short, and the course consisted essentially of the material in the ?rst three chapters, together with a two-hour lecture on connections with group theory. Chapter 5 is a considerably expanded version of this. For the course, the main sources were the books by Hopcroft and Ullman ([20]), by Cohen ([4]), and by Epstein et al. ([7]). Some use was also made of a later book by Hopcroft and Ullman ([21]). The ulterior motive in the ?rst three chapters is to give a rigorous proof that various notions of recursively enumerable language are equivalent. Three such notions are considered. These are: generated by a type 0 grammar, recognised by a Turing machine (deterministic or not) and de?ned by means of a Godel ̈ numbering, having de?ned “recursively enumerable” for sets of natural numbers. It is hoped that this has been achieved without too many ar- ments using complicated notation. This is a problem with the entire subject, and it is important to understand the idea of the proof, which is often quite simple. Two particular places that are heavy going are the proof at the end of Chapter 1 that a language recognised by a Turing machine is type 0, and the proof in Chapter 2 that a Turing machine computable function is partial recursive.

A textbook for a graduate course on formal languages and automata theory, building on prior knowledge of theoretical computer models.

An Introduction to Formal Languages and Automata, Seventh Edition is designed for an introductory course on formal languages, automata, compatibility, and related matters forming what is known as the theory of computation.

T his book on "Formal Languages & Automata Theory is meant as a textbook for a typical undergraduate course. The subject is taught under various titles such as "finite Automata & Formal Languages", "Theory of Computation" etc. The topics dealt in this book cover the entire standard syllabus prescribed for an undergraduate course. Features Precise and Lucid presentation of definitions and terms. Explains tough concepts in a very simple manner. Clarity of Presentation. More than 100 solved problems including some rare tough problems. Additional topics Contents Introduction Grammars Finite automata Regular expressions & regular languages Properties of regular languages Context free grammars Push down automata Properties of context free languages Turning machines Undecidability list of symbols Answer and hints to selected exercises Bibliography Index.

A reference book discussing applications of formal language theory to group theory, particularly geometric and computational group theory.

An Introduction to Formal Languages & Automata provides an excellent presentation of the material that is essential to an introductory theory of computation course. The text was designed to familiarize students with the foundations & principles of computer science & to strengthen the students' ability to carry out formal & rigorous mathematical argument. Employing a problem-solving approach, the text provides students insight into the course material by stressing intuitive motivation & illustration of ideas through straightforward explanations & solid mathematical proofs. By emphasizing learning through problem solving, students learn the material primarily through problem-type illustrative examples that show the motivation behind the concepts, as well as their connection to the theorems & definitions.

Introduction to Formal Languages, Automata Theory and Computation presents the theoretical concepts in a concise and clear manner, with an in-depth coverage of formal grammar and basic automata types. The book also examines the underlying theory and principles of computation and is highly suitable to the undergraduate courses in computer science and information technology. An overview of the recent trends in the field and applications are introduced at the appropriate places to stimulate the interest of active learners.