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[edit] Kernels or integral kernels
Despite User:Thenub314's edit summary, both terms are used. In fact, unless it is clear from context, the term "integral kernel" should be preferred because of possible confusion with the unrelated term kernel (mathematics). Springer's Encyclopedia of Mathematics uses the term "Kernel of an integral operator". I strongly feel that some initial context-setting is needed before the term kernel is simply tossed out there in the lead. Prefacing it with "integral" is one way to do this, albeit an imperfect one. silly rabbit (talk) 19:12, 30 April 2008 (UTC)
- I have worked over the second and third sentence of the lead a bit to try to make it less awkward. It's still awkward, which probably means it needs to be rewritten, but I think it is an improvement nonetheless. silly rabbit (talk) 19:32, 30 April 2008 (UTC)
- I didn't mean to offend. I do not recall having encountered the phrase "integral kernel." I agree it should be made very clear that it is a distinct concept from kernel (mathematics). This may even deserve a direct comment. It is not used, for example, in any of the reference works cited on the subject. I was just trying to keep the standard terminology. Kernel function is acceptable. Springer's choice of "Kernel of an integral operator" I feel is great. The lead could use a little work, just trying to help. Thenub314 (talk) 03:41, 1 May 2008 (UTC)
