State machines just seem natural to me. I actually sketched out a state machine before I even knew what a state machine was. The other concept I really like is lookup tables. Reminds me of truth tables. Are state machines really just a form of lookup table? I guess it's just how my mind works because these tables seem natural to me.

This is great thread. I have only used lex/flex to make my state machines. I'd like to try something new eventually.