A characterization of $\mathbb{Z}_2\mathbb{Z}_2[u]$-linear codes

Abstract

We prove that the class of $\Z_2\Z_2[u]$-linear codes is exactly the class of $\Z_2$-linear codes with automorphism group of even order. Using this characterization, we give examples of known codes, e.g. perfect codes, which has a nontrivial $\Z_2\Z_2[u]$ structure. We also exhibit an example of a $\Z_2$-linear code which is not $\Z_2\Z_2[u]$-linear. Also, we state that duality of $\Z_2\Z_2[u]$-linear codes is the same that duality of $\Z_2$-linear codes. Finally, we prove that the class of $\Z_2\Z_4$-linear codes which are also $\Z_2$-linear is strictly contained in the class of $\Z_2\Z_2[u]$-linear codes.