What is the purpose of Turing machine?

Turing machines, first described by Alan Turing in Turing 1936–7, are simple abstract computational devices intended to help investigate the extent and limitations of what can be computed. Turing’s ‘automatic machines’, as he termed them in 1936, were specifically devised for the computing of real numbers.

Why Turing machine is important in computer science?

Turing machines provide a powerful computational model for solving problems in computer science and testing the limits of computation — are there problems that we simply cannot solve? Turing machines are similar to finite automata/finite state machines but have the advantage of unlimited memory.

How did Alan Turing contribute to computer science?

Key facts. Often considered the father of modern computer science, Alan Turing was famous for his work developing the first modern computers, decoding the encryption of German Enigma machines during the second world war, and detailing a procedure known as the Turing Test, forming the basis for artificial intelligence.

Are Turing machines useful?

That said, Turing machines are not a practical model for computing. As an engineer and a Mathematica user, they shouldn’t concern you at all. Even in the theoretical computer science community, the more realistic RAM machines are used in the areas of algorithms and data structures.

How did the Turing machine change the world?

During World War II, he developed a machine that helped break the German Enigma code. He also laid the groundwork for modern computing and theorized about artificial intelligence.

What did the Enigma machine influence?

Turing called this deciphering machine “Bombe.” This electro-mechanical device deciphered the encrypted messages of the Nazi Germans and by all accounts, it helped end the war two years early. Turing’s machine saved over 21 million lives in the war that took 60 million lives.