Transition-based vs stated-based acceptance for automata over infinite words
Formal Languages and Automata Theory
2025-09-22 v2 Logic in Computer Science
Abstract
Automata over infinite objects are a well-established model with applications in logic and formal verification. Traditionally, acceptance in such automata is defined based on the set of states visited infinitely often during a run. However, there is a growing trend towards defining acceptance based on transitions rather than states. In this survey, we analyse the reasons for this shift and advocate using transition-based acceptance in the context of automata over infinite words. We present a collection of problems where the choice of formalism has a major impact and discuss the causes of these differences.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2508.15402,
title = {Transition-based vs stated-based acceptance for automata over infinite words},
author = {Antonio Casares},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2508.15402},
year = {2025}
}
Comments
To appear in the EATCS Bulletin. v2: new section on automata over finite words