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Line 1: − + − + + + + + + + + + − === Classes of computation ===+ − Computation can be classified by at least three orthogonal criteria: [[digital]] vs [[analog electronics|analog]], [[sequential]] vs [[parallel computation|parallel]], [[batch processing|batch]] vs [[interactive computation|interactive]].+ − − In practice, digital computation is often used to simulate natural processes (for example, − [[Evolutionary computation]]), including those that are more naturally described by analog models of computation (for example, [[Artificial neural network]]). In this situation, it is important to distinguish between the mechanism of computation and the simulated model. − − === Computations as a physical phenomenon === − − A computation can be seen as a purely physical phenomenon occurring inside a closed [[physical system]] called a [[computer]]. − Examples of such physical systems include [[digital computer]]s, [[quantum computer]]s, [[DNA computer]]s, [[molecular computer]]s, [[analog computer]]s or [[wetware computer]]s. − This point of view is the one adopted by the branch of theoretical physics called the [[physics of computation]]. − − An even more drastic point of view is the postulate of [[digital physics]] that the evolution of the universe itself is a computation. − − === Mathematical models of computation === − − In the [[theory of computation]], mathematical models of computers are defined. A computation is the evolution over discrete time epochs of this model. − Typical mathematical models of computers are the following: − * [[Turing Machine]] − * [[push-down automaton]] − * [[Finite state automaton]] − Different mathematical models of computers can be classified according to their expressive power, see the [[Chomsky hierarchy]]. − − == History == − − The word computation has an archaic meaning (from its [[Latin language|Latin]] etymological roots), but the word has come back in use with the arising of a new scientific discipline: [[computer science]]. − − == See also == − − * [[Computing]] − * [[Physical information]] − * [[Real computation]] − * [[Reversible computation]] − * [[Theory of computation]] − * [[Physics of computation]] − * [[Hypercomputation]] − −
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'''Computation''' is a general term for any type of [[information processing]] that can be represented mathematically. This includes phenomena ranging from simple calculations to human thinking. In a more narrow meaning, computation is a process following a well defined [[Model (abstract)|model]] that is understood and can be expressed in an [[algorithm]], [[Protocol (computing)|protocol]], [[network topology]], etc.
==Origin==
from French ''computer'' or [[Latin]] ''computare'', from ''com''- ‘[[together]]’ + ''putare'' ‘to settle (an account).
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/15th_century 15th Century]
==Definitions==
*1a : the act or [[action]] of computing : [[calculation]]
:b : the use or operation of a [[computer]]
*2: a system of [[Accounting|reckoning]]
==Description==
'''Computation''' is any type of calculation or use of computing [[technology]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_processing information processing]. Computation is a [[process]] following a well-defined [[model]] understood and [[expressed]] as, for example, an [[algorithm]], or a protocol. Computation can be [[classified]] by mainly three unique criteria: digital versus analog, sequential versus parallel versus concurrent, batch versus interactive.
In [[practice]], digital computation aids [[simulation]] of natural processes (for example, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolutionary_computation evolutionary computation]), including those that are naturally described by analog models of computation (for example, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_neural_network artificial neural network]). Otherwise, calculation is a term for the computation of [[numbers]], while computation is a wider reaching term for [[information]] processing in general.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computation]
[[Category: Computer Science]]
[[Category: General Reference]]