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