Discrete Morse theory

Discrete Morse theory is a combinatorial and topological framework that is used to study and simplify the topology of cell complexes by establishing a connection with Morse theory, which is traditionally applied to smooth manifolds. Developed primarily by Robin Forman in the late 1990s, discrete Morse theory provides tools for understanding the topology of discrete spaces, such as simplicial complexes, through the study of critical points and gradient-like flows in a discrete setting.