CW space (nonfiction)

In topology, a CW complex is a type of topological space introduced by J. H. C. Whitehead to meet the needs of homotopy theory.

This class of spaces is broader and has some better categorical properties than simplicial complexes, but still retains a combinatorial nature that allows for computation (often with a much smaller complex).

Roughly speaking, a CW complex is made of basic building blocks called cells. The precise definition prescribes how the cells may be topologically glued together.

The C stands for "closure-finite", and the W for "weak topology".

Nonfiction cross-reference

• J. H. C. Whitehead (nonfiction)
• Mathematics (nonfiction)
• Topological space (nonfiction)

External links:

• CW complex @ Wikipedia