(1) In mathematics, a derivative is a function which describes another function's rate of change. The derivative is sometimes referred to as the inverse of the integral. I.e. if f is the derivative of g, then g is the indefinite integral of f.

Not all functions in Grasshopper have analytic derivatives, sometimes the derivative needs to be approximated, which always introduces a measure or inaccuracy.

(2) In geometry, derivatives are used to calculate local shape characteristics of curves and surfaces, such as bending or orientation. The first derivative is used to calculate tangency. Calculating curvature requires both first and second derivatives. Higher order characteristics such as jerk and yank require higher order derivatives still.