diff --git a/developer-hub/src/reference_docs/glossary.rs b/developer-hub/src/reference_docs/glossary.rs index d0bd6accce6c..56f5ef5aeb58 100644 --- a/developer-hub/src/reference_docs/glossary.rs +++ b/developer-hub/src/reference_docs/glossary.rs @@ -36,27 +36,85 @@ //! //! #### Offchain //! -//! #### Host Function: +//! 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: //! -//! Callable +//! 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. +//! //! #### Parachain //! -//! aka. AppChain. +//! Short for "parallelized chain" a parachain is a specialized blockchain that runs in parallel to +//! the Relay Chain (Polkadot, Kusama, etc.), benefiting from the shared security and +//! interoperability features of it. +//! +//! **Synonyms**: AppChain +//! +//! #### PVF +//! The Parachain Validation Function (PVF) is the current runtime Wasm for a parachain that is +//! stored on the Relay chain. It is an essential component in the Polkadot ecosystem, encapsulating +//! the validation logic for each parachain. The PVF is executed by validators to verify the +//! correctness of parachain blocks. This is critical for ensuring that each block follows the logic +//! set by its respective parachain, thus maintaining the integrity and security of the entire +//! network. +//! +//! **Synonyms**: Parachain Validation Function