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

EIP-7702

Ethereum proposal for delegating transaction execution rights. Read more here

CID (Content Identifier)

IPFS hash used for content verification and versioning.

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