The context here revolves around the definition of the word "discrete" and the fact that they are using "discrete" in terms of "transistors" as in "discrete tra

The context here revolves around the definition of the word "discrete" and the fact that they are using "discrete" in terms of "transistors" as in "discrete transistors". When used in that manner, "discrete transistors" generally means that each individual transistor is on/in one single package. The item pictured here: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/retired/12852 https://www.sparkfun.com/products/retired/12852 is a "discrete transistor" (the plastic package contains one single transistor, the three leads connect directly to the collector, emitter, and base). Now, in the case of this design, they explain that they are unable to purchase actual discrete transistor packages because no one makes the appropriate MOSFET transistors as single transistor to a package items anymore. So they had to use four transistor packages instead of single transistor packages. So under a strict definition of "discrete" they did not use "discrete transistors". They then provide their rationale for why one could view this as still discrete in a less strict usage. It is then up to you to decide if you accept their rationale.