The Birkhoff theorem for varieties of finite algebras (Q790139)

Varieties of finite universal algebras (i.e., classes closed under finite products, subalgebras, and homomorphic images) are proved to coincide with classes described by implicit equations. This generalizes the result of \textit{J. Reiterman} [Algebra Univers. 14, 1--10 (1982; Zbl 0484.08007)] who introduced implicit equations and proved the above for finite types. Another characterization of varieties, presented here, is based on an extension of the concept of equation using completions of uniform spaces. Yet another characterization shows them as directed unions of equational classes.