Skip to main content
Top

3. Theory of Computing

  • 2026
  • OriginalPaper
  • Chapter
Published in:

Activate our intelligent search to find suitable subject content or patents.

search-config
loading …

Abstract

This chapter delves into the theoretical foundations of computing, starting with various types of automata and their computational limits. It explores combinational logic, finite state automata, and their capabilities, leading up to the introduction of Turing machines. The chapter discusses the Church-Turing thesis, which posits that Turing machines can simulate any algorithmic process, and highlights the halting problem as a notable example of an uncomputable problem. It also covers variants of Turing machines, including non-deterministic and probabilistic Turing machines, and their implications for computational complexity. The chapter concludes by reconciling the differences between Turing machines and Boolean circuits, introducing the concept of uniform circuit families. Readers will gain a deep understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of computing, the limits of computability, and the practical applications of these concepts in modern computing.

Dont have a licence yet? Then find out more about our products and how to get one now:

Springer Professional "Business + Economics & Engineering + Technology"

Online-Abonnement

Springer Professional "Business + Economics & Engineering + Technology" gives you access to:

  • more than 130.000 books
  • more than 540 journals

from the following subject areas:

  • Automotive
  • Construction + Real Estate
  • Business IT + Informatics
  • Electrical Engineering + Electronics
  • Energy + Sustainability
  • Finance + Banking
  • Management + Leadership
  • Marketing + Sales
  • Mechanical Engineering + Materials
  • Surfaces + Materials Technology
  • Insurance + Risk


Secure your knowledge advantage now!

Springer Professional "Engineering + Technology"

Online-Abonnement

Springer Professional "Engineering + Technology" gives you access to:

  • more than 75.000 books
  • more than 390 journals

from the following specialised fileds:

  • Automotive
  • Business IT + Informatics
  • Construction + Real Estate
  • Electrical Engineering + Electronics
  • Energy + Sustainability
  • Mechanical Engineering + Materials
  • Surfaces + Materials Technology





 

Secure your knowledge advantage now!

Springer Professional "Business + Economics"

Online-Abonnement

Springer Professional "Business + Economics" gives you access to:

  • more than 100.000 books
  • more than 340 journals

from the following specialised fileds:

  • Construction + Real Estate
  • Business IT + Informatics
  • Finance + Banking
  • Management + Leadership
  • Marketing + Sales
  • Insurance + Risk



Secure your knowledge advantage now!

Title
Theory of Computing
Authors
Osama M. Raisuddin
Suvranu De
Copyright Year
2026
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-03325-3_3
This content is only visible if you are logged in and have the appropriate permissions.

Premium Partner

    Image Credits
    Neuer Inhalt/© ITandMEDIA, Nagarro GmbH/© Nagarro GmbH, AvePoint Deutschland GmbH/© AvePoint Deutschland GmbH, AFB Gemeinnützige GmbH/© AFB Gemeinnützige GmbH, USU GmbH/© USU GmbH, Ferrari electronic AG/© Ferrari electronic AG