Trace - Definition and Overview

The word trace has several meanings:

in linear algebra, the trace of a square matrix A is the sum of its main diagonal elements.
in functional analysis, a trace is a generalization of a trace of a matrix over the orthonormal bases of a Hilbert space. See trace class.
in field theory, see field trace.
in semiology a trace is the physical and material result of poietic processes, the "message" made by a "producer" and interpreted by esthesic processes of a receiver. It exists and is analyzed on the neutral level.
in deconstruction, a trace is the self-effacing signified that a sign differs/defers from.
in computer chess, Trace is a chess engine.
in transportation a trace is one of two, or more, straps, ropes or chains by which a carriage or wagon, or the like, is drawn by a harness horse or other draught animal. This definition results in the saying: to kick over the traces.
in computer science, a trace is a detailed record of the steps a program executes during its execution, used as an aid in debugging.

See also