Complexity of finite sequences of zeros and ones and geometry of finite spaces of functions

The sequence 001 001 001 001 is simpler than 01 001 0111 001. We present a formal mathematical theory that gives an exact meaning to the preceding (intuitively clear) statement. Supported in part by the RFBR (Grant No. 05-01-00104). Read at the Moscow Mathematical Society meeting 22 November 2005, homepage: .