KroneckerDelta[mu, nu], displayed as , is a computational representation for the KroneckerDelta tensor. When its indices assume integer values it returns 1 or 0, according to whether the indices are equal or different. When its indices have a symbolic value, say mu, and are equal, it returns the dimension of spacetime if the index is a spacetime index, or the dimension of space if the index is a space index, or 1 otherwise.

Computations performed with the Physics package commands take into account Einstein's sum rule for repeated indices - see `.` and Simplify. The distinction between covariant and contravariant indices in the input of tensors is done by prefixing contravariant ones with ~, say as in ~mu; in the output, contravariant indices are displayed as superscripts. For contracted indices, you can enter them one covariant and one contravariant. Note however that - provided that the spacetime metric is galilean (Euclidean or Minkowski), or the object is a tensor also in curvilinear coordinates - this distinction in the input is not relevant, and so contracted indices can be entered as both covariant or both contravariant, in which case they will be automatically rewritten as one covariant and one contravariant. Tensors can have spacetime and space indices at the same time. To change the type of letter used to represent spacetime or space indices see Setup.

The %KroneckerDelta command is the inert form of KroneckerDelta, so it represents the same mathematical operation but without performing it. To perform the operation, use value.

Some automatic checking and normalization are carried out each time you enter KroneckerDelta[...]. The checking is concerned with possible syntax errors. The automatic normalization takes into account the symmetry of KroneckerDelta[mu,nu] with respect to interchanging the positions of the indices mu and nu.