Question

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a Finite State Machine model compared to a Procedural model?

Answer 1

Advantages of Finite - State Machine model ::

1. It is very simple and easy to analyse and visualise with simple state diagrams and is very helpful to inexperienced developers to implement with little knowledge.

2. We can implement efficient tasks with Finite State Machine Model.

3. Due to their simplicity , FSM are quick to design , implement and quick in execution.

4. FSM is an old knowledge representation and system modelling technique , and has lot of examples to learn.

5. We can easily transfer a meaningful abstract into coded implementation.

6. Finite State Machines are relatively flexible.

Disadvantages of Finite - State Machine model ::

1. When implementing a Larger System with FSM , it is difficult to manage and maintain the entire codebase. Proper design principles need to followed when implementing large systems with FSM.

2. The predicting nature of deterministic Finite State Machines can be weird in domains like computer games.

3. FSM is not suited for all problem domains , they should be used only when the system behaviour can be decomposed into several states with some defined conditions for state transitions.

4. The conditions for state transitions are fixed , they need to be defined previously when implementing a system.