in reply to finite automata

Hey, Anonymous Monk, I fear this post is doomed. But it need not have been so. I think you would have got a lot of constructive answers if (A) you'd taken the trouble to get a user name and tell us a little bit about yourself (B) you'd specified the problem in a little more detail (C) you'd shown some of the efforts you'd made to solve it on your own.

If you want answers, you're posting in the right place. I think most monks are fully seized of the dictum that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and there is a real zest for helping out round here, as I know very well from happy experience. But it's only polite, as well as wise, to make a little effort with one's question. Then a wealth of knowledge awaits you. And sooner or later you'll find a question you can answer, which will be even more fun.

Perlmonks really is a community - treat it that way and it'll work wonders for you.

</PREACH>

§ George Sherston