AutomataSim: A Visual Educational Platform for Simulating and Understanding Finite Automata

This paper introduces AutomataSim, a Python-based desktop application developed to simulate deterministic finite automata (DFA) through an interactive graphical interface. The system features a domain-specific language (DSL) for defining automata, step-by-step simulation, and visual state transitions using Graphviz. Built on a layered architecture, AutomataSim includes secure user account management and persistent storage using SQLite. The application is designed as an educational tool to enhance understanding of automata theory. AutomataSim is intended to support comprehension by bridging abstract formalism with intuitive, interactive visualization.