Let the class of language accepted by finite state machine be L1 and the class of languages represented by regular expressions be L2 then

In theoretical computer science and mathematics, the theory of computation is the branch that deals with what problems can be solved on a model of computation, using an algorithm, how efficiently they can be solved or to what degree (e.g., approximate solutions versus precise ones). The field is divided into three major branches: automata theory and formal languages, computability theory, and computational complexity theory, which are linked by the question: "What are the fundamental capabilities and limitations of computers?" (Source: Wikipedia)   The 'theory of computation' is important... Show more

In theoretical computer science and mathematics, the theory of computation is the branch that deals with what problems can be solved on a model of computation, using an algorithm, how efficiently they can be solved or to what degree (e.g., approximate solutions versus precise ones).

The field is divided into three major branches: automata theory and formal languages, computability theory, and computational complexity theory, which are linked by the question: "What are the fundamental capabilities and limitations of computers?"

(Source: Wikipedia)
 

The 'theory of computation' is important in computing because it forms the basis for:
1. Writing efficient algorithms that run in computing devices.
2. Programming language research and their development.
3. Efficient compiler design and construction
 

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