computer science - What is the benefit of minimizing a finite automata? -
minimizing discrete finite automata standard problem in computer science. benefits of minimizing finite automata? academic problem? the principal reason minimize finite automaton save implementation cost. when finite automata being studied, respect machines implemented function being studied. when inverter or gate or memory component consisted of 1 or more vacuum tubes, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/vacuum_tube - devices cost money, consumed power , took considerable space, really, wanted reduce number of tubes , connections between them. even move solid state implementations, real estate concern. if particular finite automaton reused in system, optimizing fa paid big dividends in chip yields.