State Tables and State Machines

Question 1

When would one use a State Table?

Answer 1

For straight forward sequences where tasks are executed one after another.

Question 2

When would one use a State Machine?

Answer 2

For more complex sequences where the order varies on the fly depending on inputs.
They are a more powerful way to design which handles events and sequences.

Question 3

What does one consider when implementing a State Machine?

Answer 3

The states of the system including the default state.
The condition which is usually some criterion that must be satisfied.
The transition which is the act of changing to a new state.