Algebraic differential operator ring ($D_k(R)={\bigcup }_{j\ge 0}{D}_k^j(R)$)

For a commutative algebra $R$ over $k$, put $D_k^{-1}(R)=0$ and define $D_k^j(R)$ to be the $k$-linear endomorphisms $\theta$ with $[\theta ,m_a]\in D_k^{j-1}(R)$ for every multiplication map $m_a$. The union is a ring under composition, with $D_k^0(R)=R$ and $D_k^r{D}_k^s\subseteq D_k^{r+s}$. This commutator definition applies to singular rings and fields of arbitrary characteristic, unlike a definition restricted to polynomial coefficients and partial derivatives.

The least index in the commutator filtration of the algebraic differential operator ring containing a nonzero operator. The zero operator has order $-\infty$ by convention. Equivalently every $(j+1)$-fold iterated commutator with multiplication maps vanishes for an operator of order at most $j$.

If $\theta$ has order at most one, set $c=\theta (1)$ and $\delta =\theta -m_c$. Then $\delta (1)=0$ and $[\delta ,m_a]=m_{\delta (a)}$, which is the Leibniz rule. Thus $\delta$ is a derivation of an algebra. Conversely any derivation satisfies this commutator identity. The sum is direct because a derivation that is multiplication must vanish at $1$.