An exterior derivative is an extension of a derivative to higher-dimensional differential forms on differentiable manifolds. It allows for derivatives to be expressed in coordinate-free form, and is the basis for the generalized Stokes' theorem. In general, the exterior derivative of an n-form is an n+1 form.
Specific examples of exterior derivatives[]
- Gradient (0-form to 1-form)
- Curl (1-form to 2-form)
- Divergence (2-form to 3-form)