nLab composition series

For groups

A composition series for a group, $G$, is a subnormal series, (that is, a sequence of subgroups, each a normal subgroup of the next one) such that each factor group $H_{i+1} / H_i$ is a simple group.

In an abelian category

An object $X$ of an abelian category has a composition series if there is a chain of subobjects

$$0= X_0 \lt X_1 \lt\ldots \lt X_{n-1} \lt X_n = X$$

such that $X_i / X_{i-1}$ is simple for $1\leq i\leq n$.

See at length of an object for more

Related concept

• object of finite length