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arXiv · 1505.01662

A Formalisation of Finite Automata using Hereditarily Finite Sets

Lawrence C. Paulson
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Abstract

Hereditarily finite (HF) set theory provides a standard universe of sets, but with no infinite sets. Its utility is demonstrated through a formalisation of the theory of regular languages and finite automata, including the Myhill-Nerode theorem and Brzozowski's minimisation algorithm. The states of an automaton are HF sets, possibly constructed by product, sum, powerset and similar operations.

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Lawrence C. Paulson. 2015-05-07. A Formalisation of Finite Automata using Hereditarily Finite Sets. https://arxiv.org/abs/1505.01662

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