Definition:Computational Method

Definition
A computational method is an ordered quadruple $\left({Q, I, \Omega, f}\right)$ in which:
 * $Q$ is a set representing the states of the computation
 * $I$ is a set representing the input to the computation
 * $\Omega$ is a set representing the output from the computation
 * $f: Q \to Q$ is a mapping representing the computational rule

subject to the following constraints:
 * $I \subseteq Q$ and $\Omega \subseteq Q$
 * $\forall x \in \Omega: f \left({x}\right) = x$.

Each $x \in I$ defines a computational sequence $x_0, x_1, x_2, \ldots$ as follows:
 * $x_0 = x$
 * $\forall k \ge 0: x_{k+1} = f \left({x_k}\right)$

The computational sequence is said to terminate in $k$ steps if $k$ is the smallest integer for which $x_k \in \Omega$.

In this case, it produces the output $x_k$ from $x$.

Some computational sequences may never terminate.

Also see

 * Definition:Algorithm: a computational method which terminates in finitely many steps for all $x \in I$.

Historical Note
This definition is very nearly the same as that given by in his Theory of Algorithms (1954).