In mathematics, in particular abstract algebra and topology, a differential graded algebra is a graded algebra with an added chain complex structure that respects the algebra structure.

## Definition

A differential graded algebra (or simply DG-algebra) A is a graded algebra equipped with a map ${\displaystyle d\colon A\to A}$ which is either degree 1 (cochain complex convention) or degree ${\displaystyle -1}$ (chain complex convention) that satisfies two conditions:

1. ${\displaystyle d\circ d=0}$.
This says that d gives A the structure of a chain complex or cochain complex (accordingly as the differential reduces or raises degree).
2. ${\displaystyle d(a\cdot b)=(da)\cdot b+(-1)^{\operatorname {deg} (a)}a\cdot (db)}$, where deg is the degree of homogeneous elements.
This says that the differential d respects the graded Leibniz rule.

A more succinct (but esoteric) way to state the same definition is to say that a DG-algebra is a monoid object in the monoidal category of chain complexes. A DG morphism between DG-algebras is a graded algebra homomorphism which respects the differential d.

A differential graded augmented algebra (also called a DGA-algebra, an augmented DG-algebra or simply a DGA) is a DG-algebra equipped with a DG morphism to the ground ring (the terminology is due to Henri Cartan).[1]

Warning: some sources use the term DGA for a DG-algebra.

## Examples of DG-algebras

• The homology ${\displaystyle H_{*}(A)=\ker(d)/\operatorname {im} (d)}$ of a DG-algebra ${\displaystyle (A,d)}$ is a graded algebra. The homology of a DGA-algebra is an augmented algebra.