#
pezkuwi_sdk_docs/reference_docs/
glossary.rs

    1//! # Glossary
    2//!
    3//! #### State
    4//!
    5//! The data around which the blockchain network wishes to come to consensus. Also
    6//! referred to as "onchain data", "onchain storage" or sometimes just "storage". In UTXO based
    7//! blockchains, is referred to as "ledger".
    8//!
    9//! **Synonyms**: Onchain data, Onchain storage, Storage, Ledger
    10//!
    11//! #### State Transition Function
    12//!
    13//! The WASM Blob that dictates how the blockchain should transition its state upon encountering new
    14//! blocks.
    15//!
    16//! #### Host
    17//!
    18//! The environment that hosts and executes the [state transition function's WASM
    19//! blob](#state-transition-function).
    20//!
    21//! #### Node
    22//!
    23//! The full software artifact that contains the [host](#host), but importantly also all the other
    24//! modules needed to be part of a blockchain network, such as peer-to-peer networking, database and
    25//! such.
    26//!
    27//! **Synonyms**: Client
    28//!
    29//! #### Light Node
    30//!
    31//! Same as [node](#nodes), but when capable of following the network only through listening to
    32//! block headers. Usually capable of running in more constrained environments, such as an embedded
    33//! device, phone, or a web browser.
    34//!
    35//! **Synonyms**: Light Client
    36//!
    37//! #### Offchain
    38//!
    39//! Refers to operations conducted outside the blockchain's consensus mechanism. They are essential
    40//! for enhancing scalability and efficiency, enabling activities like data fetching and computation
    41//! without bloating the blockchain state.
    42//!
    43//! #### Host Functions:
    44//!
    45//! Host functions are the node's API, these are functions provided by the runtime environment (the
    46//! [host](#host)) to the Wasm runtime. These functions allow the Wasm code to interact with and
    47//! perform operations on the [node](#node), like accessing the blockchain state.
    48//!
    49//! #### Runtime API:
    50//!
    51//! This is the API of the runtime, it acts as a communication bridge between the runtime and the
    52//! node, serving as the exposed interface that facilitates their interactions.
    53//!
    54//! #### Dispatchable:
    55//!
    56//! Dispatchables are [function objects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Function_object) that act as
    57//! the entry points in [FRAME](frame) pallets. They can be called by internal or external entities
    58//! to interact with the blockchain's state. They are a core aspect of the runtime logic, handling
    59//! transactions and other state-changing operations.
    60//!
    61//! **Synonyms**: Callable
    62//!
    63//! #### Extrinsic
    64//!
    65//! An extrinsic is a general term for a piece of data that is originated outside of the runtime,
    66//! included into a block and leads to some action. This includes user-initiated transactions as
    67//! well as inherents which are placed into the block by the block-builder.
    68//!
    69//! #### Pallet
    70//!
    71//! Similar to software modules in traditional programming, [FRAME](frame) pallets in Substrate are
    72//! modular components that encapsulate distinct functionalities or business logic. Just as
    73//! libraries or modules are used to build and extend the capabilities of a software application,
    74//! pallets are the foundational building blocks for constructing a blockchain's runtime with frame.
    75//! They enable the creation of customizable and upgradeable networks, offering a composable
    76//! framework for a Substrate-based blockchain. Each pallet can be thought of as a plug-and-play
    77//! module, enhancing the blockchain's functionality in a cohesive and integrated manner.
    78//!
    79//! #### Full Node
    80//!
    81//! It is a node that prunes historical states, keeping only recent finalized block states to reduce
    82//! storage needs. Full nodes provide current chain state access and allow direct submission and
    83//! validation of extrinsics, maintaining network decentralization.
    84//!
    85//! #### Archive Node
    86//!
    87//! An archive node is a specialized node that maintains a complete history of all block states and
    88//! transactions. Unlike a full node, it does not prune historical data, ensuring full access to the
    89//! entire blockchain history. This makes it essential for detailed blockchain analysis and
    90//! historical queries, but requires significantly more storage capacity.
    91//!
    92//! #### Validator
    93//!
    94//! A validator is a node that participates in the consensus mechanism of the network.
    95//! Its role includes block production, transaction validation, network integrity and security
    96//! maintenance.
    97//!
    98//! #### Collator
    99//!
    100//! A collator is a node that is responsible for producing candidate blocks for the validators.
    101//! Collators are similar to validators on any other blockchain but, they do not need to provide
    102//! security guarantees as the Relay Chain handles this.
    103//!
    104//! #### Teyrchain
    105//!
    106//! Short for "parallelized chain" a teyrchain is a specialized blockchain that runs in parallel to
    107//! the Relay Chain (Pezkuwi, Kusama, etc.), benefiting from the shared security and
    108//! interoperability features of it.
    109//!
    110//! **Synonyms**: AppChain
    111//!
    112//! #### PVF
    113//! The Teyrchain Validation Function (PVF) is the current runtime Wasm for a teyrchain that is
    114//! stored on the Relay chain. It is an essential component in the Pezkuwi ecosystem, encapsulating
    115//! the validation logic for each teyrchain. The PVF is executed by validators to verify the
    116//! correctness of teyrchain blocks. This is critical for ensuring that each block follows the logic
    117//! set by its respective teyrchain, thus maintaining the integrity and security of the entire
    118//! network.
    119//!
    120//! **Synonyms**: Teyrchain Validation Function