Cauchy–Riemann operator (${\bar{\partial }}_{J}u=\frac{1}{2}(du+J\circ du\circ j)$)

This first-order operator vanishes exactly on J-holomorphic curves. Linearization at a map $u$ gives a Fredholm operator between suitable Sobolev spaces of sections. At a constant map it is the Dolbeault operator on the trivial pulled-back tangent bundle.

A real-linear Cauchy–Riemann operator on a complex rank-$n$ vector bundle over a closed genus-$g$ Riemann surface is a Fredholm operator between the usual Sobolev spaces and has the displayed index. Zero-order real-linear terms do not change this index, since they form a continuous deformation of Fredholm operators. For the bundle pulled back by a sphere, subtracting the six-dimensional reparametrization group gives the dimension formula for regular J-holomorphic spheres.

A J-holomorphic curve is regular when the linearized Cauchy–Riemann operator is surjective. Regularity only for simple curves is weaker than regularity for all maps: multiple covers of an exceptional sphere can fail regularity even when that simple sphere is regular.

For a residual set of smooth compatible almost complex structures, all simple J-holomorphic spheres in a specified countable set of spherical classes are regular. The corresponding evaluation maps at marked points are transverse to generic incidence conditions; generic paths give parameterized transversality. The universal linearization can vary the target structure near an injective point of the curve, which removes its cokernel. This assertion concerns simple curves and does not ensure regularity of arbitrary multiple covers.

If every nonconstant J-holomorphic sphere under consideration is regular, no such sphere in a four-dimensional target has class $A$ with $A^2\le -2$. For a simple J-holomorphic sphere, the adjunction inequality for a simple J-holomorphic sphere makes the predicted moduli dimension negative. A degree-$m$ multiple cover of class $B$ has $B^2\le -1$ and $c_1(B)\le 1$, so its predicted real dimension is at most $2m-2$. The rational covering maps of the projective line already form a family of dimension $4m-4>2m-2$, contradicting regularity. The full regularity hypothesis matters: multiple covers of exceptional minus-one spheres violate the conclusion under a simple-only regularity assumption.