nLab
constant morphism

The notion of a constant morphism in a category generalises the notion of constant function.

Definition

A constant morphism in a category 𝒞 is a morphism c:BC with the property that for any morphisms f,g:AB then cf=cg.

Using the two-point set, it is simple to show that the constant morphisms in Set are precisely the constant functions.

As with Set, any morphism which factors through a terminal object is constant but although this is an “if and only if” in Set it need not be in a general category. It is, however, true in a regular category that any constant morphism factors through a subterminal object, namely its image.