Automata Designers

Overview

The Finite State Machine Designer is a powerful, interactive tool for creating and visualizing deterministic finite automata (DFA) and finite state machines. Built with HTML5 Canvas and JavaScript, it features an infinite canvas with zoom and pan capabilities, making it perfect for educational purposes and automata theory studies.

Mouse Controls

Keyboard Shortcuts

State Management

Creating States

• Double-click anywhere on the canvas to create a new state
• States are automatically labeled with sequential names (q0, q1, q2, etc.)
• Click on a state label to edit its name

State Types

• Normal State: Default state type, represented by a single circle
• Start State: Entry point of the automaton, marked with an incoming arrow
• Accept State: Final/accepting state, represented by a double circle
• Start + Accept: A state that is both the start and accept state

Changing State Types

• Right-click on any state to open the context menu
• Check "Start State" to make it the starting state
• Check "Accept State" to make it an accepting state
• Double-click on a state to quickly toggle its accept status

Transitions

Creating Transitions

• Hold Shift and drag from one state to another to create a transition
• You can create transitions from a state to itself (self-loops)
• Multiple transitions between the same states will be curved automatically

Editing Transition Labels

• Click on a transition arrow to select it
• Click on the label text to edit the input symbols
• Separate multiple symbols with commas (e.g., "a,b,c")
• Use ranges like "[a-z]" or "[0-9]" for character ranges
• Use "ε" or "epsilon" for epsilon transitions

Special Notation

• Subscripts: Use underscore before numbers (e.g., "q_0" becomes q₀)
• Greek letters: Use backslash before letter (e.g., "\alpha" becomes α)
• Multiple inputs: Separate with commas: "a,b,c"
• Ranges: Use brackets: "[a-z]", "[0-9]"
• Shortcuts: "\d" for digits, "\w" for word characters, "\s" for spaces

Features

DFA Simulation

The simulator allows you to test input strings against your automaton to verify its correctness:

• Click "Simulate DFA" to enter simulation mode
• Your automaton must be a valid DFA (deterministic finite automaton)
• Enter a test string and watch as the simulator traces through your states
• The simulator will highlight the current state and show accept/reject results
• Use this feature to debug and verify your automaton designs

Export Formats

PNG Export

Creates a high-resolution image of your automaton, perfect for including in presentations or documents.

SVG Export

Generates scalable vector graphics that maintain quality at any size, ideal for academic papers.

LaTeX Export

Produces LaTeX code using TikZ that you can include in academic documents and papers.

JSON Export

Saves your complete automaton design in a structured format that can be imported later for editing.

Tips and Best Practices

• Start by planning your states and transitions on paper before building
• Use meaningful state names that reflect their purpose
• Keep transition labels clear and concise
• Test your automaton with the simulator before finalizing
• Use the zoom feature to work on detailed areas of complex automata
• Save your work frequently using JSON export
• For presentations, export as SVG for crisp graphics at any scale

Technical Information

This application is built using modern web technologies:

• HTML5 Canvas: For high-performance graphics rendering
• JavaScript: Core application logic and interaction handling
• CSS3: Modern styling with glassmorphism effects
• Responsive Design: Adapts to different screen sizes and devices

Originally created by Evan Wallace in 2010, this version has been enhanced with infinite canvas support, improved UI, and additional features for modern browsers.

Overview

The Turing Machine Designer is an interactive tool for creating and simulating Turing machines on an infinite canvas with zoom and pan. Build states and transitions, configure tape input, and simulate step-by-step or automatically.

Mouse Controls

Keyboard Shortcuts

States and Transitions

Creating States

• Double-click to create states and click labels to edit names.
• Mark the initial state and halting states as needed (accept/reject), if available in your UI.

Transition Labels

• Click a transition to edit its label.
• Use a simple format such as read -> write, move (e.g., 0 -> 1, R) or similar, based on your configuration.
• Multiple alternatives can be separated by commas if supported.

Simulation

• Enter tape input in the “Input Tape” field.
• Use Step to execute one transition at a time.
• Use Run to animate execution; Pause to stop; Reset to restart.
• Adjust the speed slider to control animation speed.

Import/Export

• Import JSON to load a saved machine (description and tm data).
• Export PNG for images and JSON for editable saves.

Features

Tips

• Keep state and transition names meaningful.
• Start small and test incrementally with Step.
• Use Run with a slower speed for debugging.
• Save frequently via JSON export.

Technical

• HTML5 Canvas for rendering
• JavaScript for interaction and simulation
• Responsive UI with shared styles