Glossary | Key Terms and Definitions
This glossary contains key terms and definitions to help you better understand the technologies and concepts related to Rootstock.
Whether you're building on the Rootstock platform or simply exploring, these definitions will provide clarity on essential terms commonly used in the Rootstock Ecosystem.
A
ABI (Application Binary Interface)
The Application Binary Interface (ABI) defines the interface between two binary program modules, typically between a smart contract and the external applications that interact with it. On the blockchain, an ABI specifies the functions and parameters called on a smart contract and the data exchange structure. It is essential for interacting with smart contracts programmatically.
Accounts
In blockchain, accounts store digital assets and are identified by addresses. They can be managed by individuals or programs, enabling users to send and receive assets, interact with applications, and participate in network activities. See Account Based Addresses for more information.
Account Abstraction
A blockchain feature that allows user accounts to have programmable transaction validation rules, making them more flexible than traditional EOA (Externally Owned Accounts). This enables features like social recovery and batched transactions.
Try Account AbstractionAPI (Application Programming Interface)
A set of tools and protocols that allow software applications to interact with each other. APIs are commonly used for enabling integrations with external systems.
Attestation
Attestations involve formally witnessing and verifying the proper signing of a document or claim by the parties involved. In the context of blockchain and crypto, attestation refers to the on-chain or off-chain verification of any transaction or contract, confirming its authenticity and the truthfulness of its source or originator.
Learn more about attestationsB
Bitcoin (BTC)
The first and most well-known cryptocurrency, created by Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a decentralized network using proof-of-work consensus.
Bitcoin Runes
This is a protocol for creating fungible tokens directly on the blockchain. Developed by Casey Rodarmor, the mind behind Ordinals, Runes offers a more efficient way to issue tokens.
Try Bitcoin Runes on RootstockBlockchain
A distributed, immutable digital ledger that records transactions across a network of computers. Each block contains a list of transactions and is linked to the previous block, forming a chain.
BRC20
A token standard for Bitcoin, similar to ERC20 on Ethereum, enabling the creation of fungible tokens on the Bitcoin network.
Bridge
This is a protocol allowing assets to be transferred between different blockchain networks, facilitating cross-chain interoperability. On Rootstock, two primary cross-chain bridging solutions support these asset transfers.
View Bridges on RootstockC
CLI (Command-Line Interface)
A text-based user interface that allows developers to interact with software by typing commands. Rootstock offers CLI tools for interacting with the blockchain and managing smart contracts.
Cucumber
This is a software tool that supports Behavior-Driven Development (BDD), enabling developers to write automated tests in plain language.
Try CucumberCryptocurrency
A type of digital currency based on cryptography, designed to work as a medium of exchange on decentralized networks. Common cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum allow for secure, peer-to-peer transactions without needing intermediaries.
Cross-chain
This technology enables interaction between different blockchain networks, allowing assets or data to move across platforms. This promotes interoperability, letting users and developers leverage the benefits of multiple blockchains in one ecosystem.
D
DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization)
This is a community-led organization operating through rules encoded in smart contracts not centralized entities. Members typically vote on decisions, giving everyone a say in governance, funding, and operations without a central authority.
DEX (Decentralized Exchange)
This is a type of cryptocurrency exchange that operates without a central authority. Unlike traditional exchanges, DEXs allow users to trade assets directly with one another through peer-to-peer transactions, typically using smart contracts on a blockchain. This eliminates the need for intermediaries, enhancing security and privacy. Users retain control of their private keys and assets, reducing the risks associated with centralized exchanges, such as hacking or asset freezing.
dApp (Decentralized Application)
This is an application that operates on a decentralized network, typically leveraging blockchain technology. Unlike traditional applications that rely on centralized servers, dApps use smart contracts to execute their backend logic, providing greater transparency, security, and resilience against censorship.
E
ERC1155
ERC1155 is a token standard on Ethereum that allows for both fungible and non-fungible tokens to be managed within a single contract.
ERC20
ERC20 is a widely-used token standard on the Ethereum blockchain that defines the basic functionalities for fungible tokens, including transfer and allowance mechanisms.
ERC721
ERC721 is a token standard for non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on Ethereum, where each token is unique. This standard enables the ownership and transfer of distinct digital assets, fostering a market for collectibles and digital art.
EOA (Externally Owned Account)
This is a user-controlled blockchain account secured by private keys. Unlike smart contracts, which are self-operating programs, EOAs allow individuals to manage assets directly and initiate transactions.
Ethereum
Ethereum is a decentralized blockchain platform that facilitates the creation and execution of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). It allows developers to build applications that operate on a peer-to-peer network, enabling trustless transactions and automated processes without the need for intermediaries.
Etherspot
Etherspot is an Account Abstraction infrastructure designed to help developers create a seamless web3 user experience for users interacting with their dApps.
Try Etherspot SDKEVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine)
The EVM is a decentralized runtime environment that enables the execution of smart contracts on Ethereum and EVM-compatible blockchains. It provides the necessary infrastructure for developers to deploy applications, ensuring that they run consistently across different nodes in the network.
EVM Compatible
This term refers to blockchains designed to execute Ethereum smart contracts and adhere to the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) specifications. EVM-compatible blockchains support the same programming interfaces, enabling developers to deploy their existing Ethereum applications without major modifications.
Explorer
This is a tool for viewing blockchain data such as transactions, addresses, and smart contracts on both Mainnet - the live network with real assets and Testnet - a testing network with no real monetary value. It provides transparency by letting users track the activity and status of these elements in real-time across the network.
Exchange
This is a platform where users can trade cryptocurrencies and other digital assets. Exchanges can be centralized (run by a company) or decentralized (operating on a blockchain), providing various ways for users to buy, sell, and hold assets.
F
Faucet
This is a tool that distributes small amounts of cryptocurrency for testing purposes on test networks, allowing developers and users to experiment without financial risk. In the context of Rootstock, faucets can be used to obtain test RBTC (tRBTC), enabling developers to test their applications in a realistic environment. This practice is crucial for ensuring that dApps function correctly before deployment on the mainnet.
Get tRBTCG
Gas
This is the unit used to measure the amount of computational work needed to perform tasks on the blockchain. When users make transactions or run smart contracts, they pay gas fees in the network's currency. These fees motivate miners and validators to process the transactions. In Rootstock, understanding gas is important for managing costs and ensuring that your transactions are executed efficiently.
H
Hardhat
This is a development environment for building, testing, and deploying Ethereum smart contracts. It provides tools that simplify the development process, allowing developers to write and test their code efficiently. In the context of Rootstock, Hardhat can be used to create and manage smart contracts, making it easier to integrate with the Rootstock network.
Try HardhatHash rate
The measure of computational power used by miners to secure a blockchain. A higher hash rate increases network security, as more resources are required to manipulate or attack the system.
Hashing
A process that transforms data into a unique, fixed-size code, known as a hash. It ensures data integrity by creating a unique digital “fingerprint” for any piece of information, useful for verifying transactions on blockchains.