The Ergodic Theory of Discrete Sample Paths

This book is about finite-alphabet stationary processes, which are important in physics, engineering, and data compression. The focus is on the combinatorial properties of typical finite sample paths drawn from a stationary, ergodic process. A primary goal, only partially realized, is to develop a theory based directly on sample path arguments with minimal appeals to the probability formalism. A secondary goal is to give a careful presentation of the many models for stationary finite-alphabet processes that have been developed in probability theory, ergodic theory, and information theory.