Wiktionary
n. (context computing theory English) A formalism for describing computation, consisting of a set of states and a transition function describing when to move from one state to another.
Wikipedia
A state machine is a type of programming technique that is used in a majority of different programming languages. The state machine is especially important and flexible tool that is used in LabVIEW programming because the coding is very easy to maintain, document and reuse.
Usage examples of "state machine".
People lose all their individuality and become only pieces of the state machine which they are compelled to serve from birth to death.
Our first order is to build the power of the state machine because it is the engine without which China will lie dormant.
Many are here because they have children, and the evil state machine is trying to take them away and put them in foster care.