---
title: Abstract Rewriting Systems
TARGET DECK: Obsidian::STEM
FILE TAGS: ars
tags:
  - ars
---

## Overview

In an **abstract rewriting system** (ARS), an object is said to be in **normal form** if it cannot be rewritten any further, i.e. it is irreducible. An object is said to be in **canonical form** if it is presented in the "standard" representation (where "standard" is defined per field).

In most fields, a canoncial form specifies a *unique* representation.

%%ANKI
Basic
What is ARS an acronym for?
Back: **A**bstract **R**ewriting **S**ystem.
Reference: “Normal Form,” in _Wikipedia_, April 27, 2024, [https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Normal_form](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Normal_form_(abstract_rewriting)&oldid=1221094193).
<!--ID: 1719067812812-->
END%%

%%ANKI
Basic
Canonical/normal forms are associated with what general class of abstract systems?
Back: Abstract rewriting systems.
Reference: “Canonical Form,” in _Wikipedia_, January 7, 2024, [https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Canonical_form](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Canonical_form&oldid=1194093963).
<!--ID: 1719067812820-->
END%%

%%ANKI
Basic
What does it mean for an object to be in normal form?
Back: It cannot be rewritten any further, i.e. it is irreducible.
Reference: Normal Form,” in _Wikipedia_, April 27, 2024, [https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Normal_form](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Normal_form_(abstract_rewriting)&oldid=1221094193).
END%%

%%ANKI
Basic
What does it mean for an object to be in canonical form?
Back: It is presented in the "standard" way with respect to the field its presented in.
Reference: “Canonical Form,” in _Wikipedia_, January 7, 2024, [https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Canonical_form](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Canonical_form&oldid=1194093963).
<!--ID: 1719067812824-->
END%%

%%ANKI
Basic
What two assumptions are usually associated with an object in canonical form?
Back: It is as simply represented as possible and it is uniquely identifying.
Reference: “Canonical Form,” in _Wikipedia_, January 7, 2024, [https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Canonical_form](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Canonical_form&oldid=1194093963).
<!--ID: 1719067812829-->
END%%

%%ANKI
Basic
How do "canonical" and "normal" forms differ in most fields?
Back: The former usually specifies a unique representation for the object.
Reference: “Canonical Form,” in _Wikipedia_, January 7, 2024, [https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Canonical_form](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Canonical_form&oldid=1194093963).
<!--ID: 1719067812833-->
END%%

## Bibliography

* “Canonical Form,” in _Wikipedia_, January 7, 2024, [https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Canonical_form](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Canonical_form&oldid=1194093963).
* Normal Form,” in _Wikipedia_, April 27, 2024, [https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Normal_form](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Normal_form_(abstract_rewriting)&oldid=1221094193).