Undergrad Is there a consensus about the meaning of the Christoffel symbols' indices?

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The discussion centers on the interpretation of the indices of Christoffel symbols, referencing Giancarlo Bernacchi's and Daniel Fleisch's texts. Both sources present differing explanations regarding the roles of the lower indices, raising questions about correctness and consensus. The formula for the Christoffel symbols is provided, highlighting their symmetry in the lower indices. This symmetry suggests that the specific definitions of the indices may not significantly impact their application. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the lack of a definitive consensus on the interpretation of these indices in the context of tensor analysis.
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Is there a consensus about the meaning of the Christoffel symbols' indices?
This is from Giancarlo Bernacchi's book "Tensors made easy":

1729945525038.jpeg


And this is from Daniel Fleisch's book "A Student's Guide to Vectors and Tensors":
1729945620727.jpeg

The meaning of the two lower indices is exchanged in the two explanations. Is one of them correct and the other one wrong, or is there no consensus about this?
 
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The Christoffel symbols are given by$$\Gamma^i_{jk}=\frac 12g^{il}\left(
\partial_jg_{kl}
+\partial_jg_{lk}
-\partial_lg_{jk}
\right)$$This is symmetric in the lower indices, so it makes no difference which of those indices you define as doing what.
 
I see, thank you.
 

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