The equalizer(𝐸,eq) of a collection of morphisms 𝑀⊆𝖢(𝑋,𝑌) is the limit of the diagram containing these morphisms. cat
Thus eq𝑓=eq𝑔 for any 𝑓,𝑔∈𝑀,
and given any other morphism 𝑞:𝑄→𝑋 with this property there exists a unique ¯𝑞:𝑄→𝐸 such that the following diagram, except for 𝑓=𝑔, commutes
Note that in case 𝑀=∅ we take the diagram consisting of only 𝑋.
Thus the equalizer is the “most general” subobject for which the morphisms 𝑀 concur.
The coëqualizer(𝑄,𝑞) of a collection of morphisms 𝑀⊆𝖢(𝑌,𝑋) is the colimit of the diagram containing these morphisms. cat
Thus 𝑓𝑞=𝑔𝑞,
and given any other morphism ℎ:𝑋→𝑍 there exists a unique ¯ℎ:𝑄→𝑍 such that the following diagram commutes, except for 𝑓=𝑔:
Note that in case 𝑀=∅ we take the diagram consisting of only 𝑋.
Thus the coëqualizer is the “most general” quotient object onto which the morphisms concur.