Step 1: Select an NFA

Begin by clicking the Change NFA button at the top of the simulation. A selection of NFA examples will be available. Choose one that interests you. The chosen NFA will be displayed both as a diagram and as a formal description, so you can clearly see its states, alphabet, transitions, start state, and accept states.

Step 2: Explore the NFA Structure

Carefully examine the displayed NFA. Notice the following:

• The set of states and which state is the start state
• The input alphabet (symbols)
• The transition function, including any non-deterministic or epsilon (ε) transitions
• The set of accept (final) states This is a good time to think about how the NFA processes input strings and what language it accepts.

Step 3: Begin DFA Construction

To start the conversion, use the Add State and Add Transition buttons in the DFA construction panel. You will manually build the DFA by following the subset construction (powerset) method. The simulation will guide you through each step, and you can always reset your progress using the Reset button if needed.

Step 4: Build the DFA Step by Step

For each DFA state you add:

• Use the subset of NFA states as the label for the DFA state (the simulation will help you visualize this)
• For each input symbol, determine the set of NFA states reachable from the current subset, including via epsilon transitions
• Add transitions between DFA states using the Add Transition button
• If you make a mistake, use the Undo button to revert your last action The Construction Steps panel on the right will keep a detailed log of your actions and the logic behind each step. Refer to it often to understand the reasoning and to track your progress.

Step 5: Use Hints and Guidance

If you are unsure about the next step, click the Hint button. The simulation will provide suggestions or highlight the next logical action in the construction process. This is especially helpful for beginners.

Step 6: Validate Your DFA

Once you believe your DFA is complete, click the Validate button. The simulation will check your construction for correctness, ensuring that your DFA is equivalent to the original NFA. If there are errors, you will receive feedback to help you correct them.

Step 7: Analyze and Compare

After validation, study the resulting DFA diagram. Compare it with the original NFA:

• How many states does the DFA have compared to the NFA?
• Are there any redundant or unreachable states?
• Does the DFA accept the same language as the NFA? You can use the Reset button at any time to start over or try a different approach.

Step 8: Experiment with Different NFAs

Repeat the process with other NFA examples using the Change NFA button. Observe how the structure of the NFA affects the resulting DFA. Try to identify patterns, such as cases where the DFA has many more states than the NFA.