What actions can a Turing machine perform on a tape square?

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In the context of automata theory, a Turing machine interacts with the squares on its tape through its tape head. The specific actions the machine can perform on a single tape square include:

  • Reading: The machine can scan the symbol currently printed on a square.12
  • Writing: The machine can print a new symbol onto a square.12
  • Erasing: The machine can remove a symbol from a square.12

Additionally, the tape head is capable of moving to a square to perform these operations, and the machine can change its internal state based on the condition of the square it is currently scanning. These discrete actions, governed by a set of instructions, allow the machine to process information and perform computations.12