State Machines vs Conditional Statements: What's the Difference?

What are the main differences between state machines and conditional statements?

State machines are models of computation that define states and transitions, while conditional statements execute code based on conditions.

Can you give an example of when to use a state machine instead of conditional statements?

Sure! Use a state machine for complex workflows, like a game character's behavior, where multiple states and transitions are needed.

Are there any performance differences between the two?

Yes, state machines can be more efficient for complex scenarios, as they avoid deep nesting of conditional statements.

What programming languages support state machines?

Many languages support state machines, including JavaScript, Python, and C++. Some even have libraries specifically for them.