1. A method for word recognition, the method comprising: receiving, at a processor, input data one byte at a time; transitioning, by the processor, to a next allowable state using a first byte of input data received; determining, by the processor, whether a next byte of input data is received; and responsive to a determination that the next byte of input data is received, transitioning, by the processor, to a next allowable state using the next byte of input data received.