Counterfactual Store vs. Markov Chains: From Branching State to Reach, an Engine for Possible Futures

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Counterfactual Store does resemble a Markov chain at the conceptual level. Both deal with states and the possible transitions between them. But a Markov chain is mainly a mathematical model for probabilistic transitions: given that I’m in state A, what’s the probability the next state is B, C or D? And the classic Markov property says the next-state probability depends on the current state, not the full history.

The Counterfactual Store is deterministic branching, not probabilistic transition. If the current application state is A, you create a hypothetical A′, change something, propagate the consequences, inspect the result and throw it away without touching A. No probability needs to be involved anywhere.

State Machines on App Coding

Counterfactual Store vs. Markov Chains: From Branching State to Reach, an Engine for Possible Futures