UNIVERSAL COMPUTATION Meaning and
Definition
-
Universal computation refers to the ability of a system to perform any computation that can be described by a specific computational model, typically a Turing machine or a universal Turing machine. It represents a fundamental concept in computer science and is crucial to the development of modern computers and computational theory.
Universal computation is based on the idea that a single computational device can simulate the behavior of any other computational device, given adequate time and resources. It implies that every computable function or algorithm can be executed on such a device. This concept can be traced back to the work of mathematician and logician Alan Turing, who proposed the concept of a universal Turing machine in the 1930s.
The universal Turing machine is an abstract computing device that can read, write, and manipulate symbols on an infinite tape according to a set of predefined rules. It is capable of executing any algorithm that can be described by a Turing machine, making it an example of universal computation.
In essence, universal computation embodies the idea that a single general-purpose device can perform any computation given the appropriate input and algorithm. This concept underlies the design and functionality of modern computers, which are capable of executing a vast range of tasks by running different software programs. Universal computation has revolutionized computing, allowing for the development of diverse applications and the automation of complex tasks across various disciplines.
Etymology of UNIVERSAL COMPUTATION
The word "universal" is derived from the Latin word "universus", which means "whole" or "entire". It combines the prefix "uni-" (meaning "one" or "whole") and the suffix "-versus" (derived from "verto", meaning "to turn").
The word "computation" originates from the Latin word "computare", which means "to calculate" or "to reckon". It comes from the prefix "com-" (meaning "together" or "with") and the verb "putare" (meaning "to reckon" or "to settle an account").
When combined, "universal computation" refers to the ability to perform calculations or processing on any given input using a specific computational model or system.
