arXiv · 1305.0297
The operad of wiring diagrams: formalizing a graphical language for databases, recursion, and plug-and-play circuits
Abstract
Wiring diagrams, as seen in digital circuits, can be nested hierarchically and thus have an aspect of self-similarity. We show that wiring diagrams form the morphisms of an operad $\mcT$, capturing this self-similarity. We discuss the algebra $\Rel$ of mathematical relations on $\mcT$, and in so doing use wiring diagrams as a graphical language with which to structure queries on relational databases. We give the example of circuit diagrams as a special case. We move on to show how plug-and-play devices and also recursion can be formulated in the operadic framework as well. Throughout we include many examples and figures.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Explore connections, maps & timelines
David I. Spivak. 2013-05-01. The operad of wiring diagrams: formalizing a graphical language for databases, recursion, and plug-and-play circuits. https://arxiv.org/abs/1305.0297
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.