The state space of a CA is the model of the universe in which action can occur.
It is the collection of cells, the indivisible units of the universe.
Many arrangements of cells into the state space have been used; we consider only two.
| One-dimensional | |
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and
| Two-dimensional | |
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In general, we assume the state space is of infinite extent.
Any computer simulation must be finite, so an infinite state space cannot be faithfully represented.
The usual treatment of this problem is by some form of wrap-around.
Return to Cellular Automaton Basics.