Markov Chains: A Comprehensive Guide from A to Z

Pelin Okutan
3 min readJan 14, 2024

Markov Chains, a powerful mathematical concept born from the work of Russian mathematician Andrey Markov, provide a unique framework for modeling and understanding stochastic processes. From predicting weather patterns and analyzing financial markets to simulating biological systems, Markov Chains offer a versatile tool for capturing the dynamics of systems that evolve over time. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore Markov Chains from A to Z, covering their fundamental principles, applications, and advanced techniques. This story was written with the assistance of an AI writing program.

A. Understanding Markov Chains:

Basic Concept:

  • At its core, a Markov Chain is a mathematical model that describes a sequence of events where the probability of transitioning from one state to another depends solely on the current state, not on the sequence of events that preceded it. This unique memoryless property characterizes Markov Chains.

State and Transition Probabilities:

  • A system in a Markov Chain can exist in different states, and the transitions between states are governed by probabilities. Transition probabilities define the likelihood of moving from one state to another in a single time step.

B. Key Components…

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Pelin Okutan

PhD Candidate & Researcher & Data Scientist & Engineer & Risk Analyst & Language Enthusiast | https://www.linkedin.com/in/pelinokutan/