//! # Glossary //! //! #### State //! //! The data around which the blockchain network wishes to come to consensus. Also //! referred to as "onchain data", "onchain storage" or sometimes just "storage". In UTXO based //! blockchains, is referred to as "ledger". //! //! **Synonyms**: Onchain data, Onchain storage, Storage, Ledger //! //! #### State Transition Function //! //! The WASM Blob that dictates how the blockchain should transition its state upon encountering new //! blocks. //! //! #### Host //! //! The environment that hosts and executes the [state transition function's WASM //! blob](#state-transition-function). //! //! #### Node //! //! The full software artifact that contains the [host](#host), but importantly also all the other //! modules needed to be part of a blockchain network, such as peer-to-peer networking, database and //! such. //! //! **Synonyms**: Client //! //! #### Light Node //! //! Same as [node](#nodes), but when capable of following the network only through listening to //! block headers. Usually capable of running in more constrained environments, such as an embedded //! device, phone, or a web browser. //! //! **Synonyms**: Light Client //! //! #### Offchain //! //! Refers to operations conducted outside the blockchain's consensus mechanism. They are essential //! for enhancing scalability and efficiency, enabling activities like data fetching and computation //! without bloating the blockchain state. //! //! #### Host Functions: //! //! Host functions are the node's API, these are functions provided by the runtime environment (the //! [host](#host)) to the Wasm runtime. These functions allow the Wasm code to interact with and //! perform operations on the [node](#node), like accessing the blockchain state. //! //! #### Runtime API: //! //! This is the API of the runtime, it acts as a communication bridge between the runtime and the //! node, serving as the exposed interface that facilitates their interactions. //! //! #### Dispatchable: //! //! Dispatchables are [function objects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Function_object) that act as //! the entry points in [FRAME](frame) pallets. They can be called by internal or external entities //! to interact with the blockchain's state. They are a core aspect of the runtime logic, handling //! transactions and other state-changing operations. //! //! **Synonyms**: Callable //! //! #### Extrinsic //! //! An extrinsic is a general term for a piece of data that is originated outside of the runtime, //! included into a block and leads to some action. This includes user-initiated transactions as //! well as inherents which are placed into the block by the block-builder. //! //! #### Pallet //! //! Similar to software modules in traditional programming, [FRAME](frame) pallets in Substrate are //! modular components that encapsulate distinct functionalities or business logic. Just as //! libraries or modules are used to build and extend the capabilities of a software application, //! pallets are the foundational building blocks for constructing a blockchain's runtime with frame. //! They enable the creation of customizable and upgradeable networks, offering a composable //! framework for a Substrate-based blockchain. Each pallet can be thought of as a plug-and-play //! module, enhancing the blockchain's functionality in a cohesive and integrated manner. //! //! #### Full Node //! //! It is a node that prunes historical states, keeping only recent finalized block states to reduce //! storage needs. Full nodes provide current chain state access and allow direct submission and //! validation of extrinsics, maintaining network decentralization. //! //! #### Archive Node //! //! An archive node is a specialized node that maintains a complete history of all block states and //! transactions. Unlike a full node, it does not prune historical data, ensuring full access to the //! entire blockchain history. This makes it essential for detailed blockchain analysis and //! historical queries, but requires significantly more storage capacity. //! //! #### Validator //! //! A validator is a node that participates in the consensus mechanism of the network. //! Its role includes block production, transaction validation, network integrity and security //! maintenance. //! //! #### Collator //! //! A collator is a node that is responsible for producing candidate blocks for the validators. //! Collators are similar to validators on any other blockchain but, they do not need to provide //! security guarantees as the Relay Chain handles this. //! //! #### Teyrchain //! //! Short for "parallelized chain" a teyrchain is a specialized blockchain that runs in parallel to //! the Relay Chain (Pezkuwi, Kusama, etc.), benefiting from the shared security and //! interoperability features of it. //! //! **Synonyms**: AppChain //! //! #### PVF //! The Teyrchain Validation Function (PVF) is the current runtime Wasm for a teyrchain that is //! stored on the Relay chain. It is an essential component in the Pezkuwi ecosystem, encapsulating //! the validation logic for each teyrchain. The PVF is executed by validators to verify the //! correctness of teyrchain blocks. This is critical for ensuring that each block follows the logic //! set by its respective teyrchain, thus maintaining the integrity and security of the entire //! network. //! //! **Synonyms**: Teyrchain Validation Function