cohomology theories
Cohomology theories are mathematical tools used in algebraic topology to study the properties of topological spaces. They assign algebraic structures, such as groups or rings, to these spaces, allowing mathematicians to analyze their shape and features. Cohomology provides a way to classify spaces based on their topological characteristics, revealing information about their structure and relationships.
One of the most well-known cohomology theories is de Rham cohomology, which uses differential forms to study smooth manifolds. Another important example is singular cohomology, which employs singular simplices to capture topological information. These theories have applications in various fields, including geometry, physics, and data analysis.