In thermodynamics, a quantity that is well defined so as to describe the path of a process

through the equilibrium state space of a thermodynamic system is termed a process

function,[1] or, alternatively, a process quantity, or a path function. As an example,
mechanical work and heat are process functions because they describe quantitatively the
transition between equilibrium states of a thermodynamic system.

Path functions depend on the path taken to reach one state from another. Different routes give
different quantities. Examples of path functions include work, heat and arc length. In contrast
to path functions, state functions are independent of the path taken. Thermodynamic state
variables are point functions, differing from path functions. For a given state, considered as a
point, there is a definite value for each state variable and state function.

Infinitesimal changes in a process function X are often indicated by to distinguish them

from infinitesimal changes in a state function Y which is written . The quantity is an

exact differential, while is not, it is an inexact differential. Infinitesimal changes in a

process function may be integrated, but the integral between two states depends on the
particular path taken between the two states, whereas the integral of a state function is simply
the difference of the state functions at the two points, independent of the path taken.

In general, a process function X may be either holonomic or non-holonomic. For a holonomic

process function, an auxiliary state function (or integrating factor) may be defined such

that is a state function. For a non-holonomic process function, no such function may be

defined. In other words, for a holonomic process function, may be defined such that

is an exact differential. For example, thermodynamic work is a holonomic process

function since the integrating factor (where p is pressure) will yield exact differential of

the volume state function . The second law of thermodynamics as stated by

Carathéodory essentially amounts to the statement that heat is a holonomic process function

since the integrating factor (where T is temperature) will yield the exact differential of

an entropy state function .[1]