# Dictionary

This page is dedicated to KRNL-specific vocabulary that will appear in this document.

#### Core Protocol Concepts

| Term                             | Definition                                                                                                                                       |
| -------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **KRNL Protocol**                | A decentralized orchestration layer that unifies Web3, Web2, and AI systems into verifiable workflows using cryptographic proofs.                |
| **Kernel**                       | A single execution unit in a workflow that performs a specific function such as an API call, smart contract interaction, or data transformation. |
| **Workflow**                     | A multi-step process built using KRNL’s DSL (Domain-Specific Language) that defines how kernels interact to perform a complete operation.        |
| **Executor**                     | An open-source, auditable component that executes workflow steps within a secure sandbox.                                                        |
| **Attestor**                     | A private security module owned by dApp developers that cryptographically verifies executor outputs and signs attestations.                      |
| **Executor–Attestor Separation** | The architectural principle separating computation (executor) from verification (attestor) to achieve zero-trust execution.                      |
| **KRNL Node**                    | The execution and orchestration engine (a Geth extension) that coordinates workflows, handles network attestation, and generates proofs.         |
| **KRNL Registry**                | An on-chain registry that stores protocol configurations, kernel schemas, and versioned workflow references.                                     |
| **KRNL Vault**                   | The fee management contract that handles payments, rewards, and treasury operations for executors, node operators, and developers.               |
| **KRNL SDK**                     | Developer toolkit enabling integration of workflows into dApps through TypeScript or JavaScript APIs.                                            |
| **KRNL CLI**                     | A command-line interface for deploying, testing, and managing KRNL integrated contracts                                                          |
| **KRNL Studio**                  | A visual IDE for building and testing workflows without writing code.                                                                            |
| **KOS (KRNL Operating System)**  | The coordination layer managing node discovery, attestation, and proof validation across the network.                                            |

#### Architecture & Infrastructure

| Term                             | Definition                                                                                                  |
| -------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Core Orchestration Layer**     | The main KRNL engine that executes workflows and coordinates executor-attestor communication.               |
| **Integration Layer**            | Connects dApps and smart contracts to KRNL via SDKs and account abstraction mechanisms.                     |
| **User Interface Layer**         | The front-end interface through which end users initiate workflows via wallets and smart contract accounts. |
| **External Infrastructure**      | Components managed outside KRNL (e.g., relayers, bundlers, oracles).                                        |
| **Target Contract**              | A smart contract that receives verified results from a workflow for final execution.                        |
| **Relayer / Bundler**            | A service that manages EIP-4337 transactions for Smart Contract Accounts.                                   |
| **Smart Contract Account (SCA)** | A programmable wallet (EIP-7702 + ERC-4337) that executes transactions and payments automatically.          |

***

#### Security & Cryptography

| Term                                    | Definition                                                                                                               |
| --------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Ephemeral Keys**                      | Single-use cryptographic keys derived for each workflow execution, ensuring replay protection and forward secrecy.       |
| **Master Secret**                       | Root cryptographic secret stored securely in the attestor and used for key derivation.                                   |
| **Execution Proof**                     | A cryptographic record proving that workflow steps were executed as defined.                                             |
| **Composability Proofs**                | Nested proofs combining multiple workflow steps into a verifiable chain of trust.                                        |
| **Network Attestation**                 | A cryptographic record verifying every external network call (HTTP, HTTPS, DNS) made during execution.                   |
| **Network Interceptor**                 | A man-in-the-middle system that transparently monitors, records, and signs network interactions for forensic validation. |
| **DNS Attestation**                     | Cryptographic logging of DNS queries and resolutions during workflow execution.                                          |
| **TLS Interception**                    | Secure interception of HTTPS traffic to verify end-to-end communication integrity.                                       |
| **Attestation Data Structure**          | Structured logs of network activities (requests, responses, DNS) signed by the attestor.                                 |
| **Proof of Execution (PoE)**            | The verifiable linkage between executor outputs and attestor signatures.                                                 |
| **TEE (Trusted Execution Environment)** | Hardware-based secure enclave used optionally for high-value workflow isolation (e.g., Intel SGX, AMD SEV).              |
| **gVisor Sandbox**                      | A user-space kernel providing syscall interception and runtime isolation for executors.                                  |
| **Reproducible Builds**                 | Deterministic build process ensuring executor binaries can be independently verified.                                    |

***

#### Economic & Governance Model

| Term                            | Definition                                                                           |
| ------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Node Operator**               | Participant running a KRNL Node to process workflows and generate proofs.            |
| **dApp Developer**              | Builder who integrates KRNL workflows into decentralized applications.               |
| **Fee Architecture**            | The breakdown of workflow execution costs: base fee, external service fees, and gas. |
| **Value Distribution Model**    | Economic mechanism distributing fees and rewards among protocol participants.        |
| **Platform Base Fee**           | The protocol’s fixed cost for using KRNL infrastructure per execution.               |
| **Treasury Management**         | Automated handling of collected fees, development funds, and ecosystem grants.       |
| **Governance Model**            | Community-driven structure for approving executors and protocol updates.             |
| **Executor Governance Model**   | Consensus process through which executors are reviewed, audited, and whitelisted.    |
| **Protocol Evolution Strategy** | Framework for introducing new features and managing backward compatibility.          |

***

#### Comparative & External References

| Term                         | Definition                                                                                                                           |
| ---------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **EIP-4337**                 | Ethereum proposal enabling account abstraction for smart contract wallets. Read more [here](https://eips.ethereum.org/EIPS/eip-4337) |
| **EIP-7702**                 | Ethereum proposal for delegating transaction execution rights. Read more [here](https://eips.ethereum.org/EIPS/eip-7702)             |
| **CID (Content Identifier)** | IPFS hash used for content verification and versioning.                                                                              |


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