> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.protoboard.xyz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.protoboard.xyz/reference/glossary.md). # Glossary Definitions of the terms used across Protoboard and these docs, from board and project to harness, function link and Energy ## Goal Look up any Protoboard term. ## Building blocks | Term | Definition | | ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Board** | One system design: parts on a canvas, harnesses, groups, notes, Board Identity, BOM and DRC results. See [Projects, boards and parts](/start-here/projects-boards-and-parts.md) | | **Project** | A folder of boards that share access and visibility. Roles given on a project apply to all its boards | | **Draft** | A board that lives only in this browser until you save it to the cloud | | **Part** | A component placed on a board, with a nickname and a template | | **Part template** | The board's copy of a part definition. Every part that uses it shares it | | **ProtoPart** | The open format for part definitions, and the public library of parts built with it | | **Blank part** | A part with no interfaces or resources yet, used as a placeholder or the start of a custom part | | **Part status** | Blank, Unvalidated, Validated or Official. See [Part status](/parts/part-status.md) | | **Kit** | A purchasable set of parts. A board can be restricted to a kit | | **Artifact** | A link or file attached to a template: image, code, CAD, datasheet or other link | ## Connections | Term | Definition | | ---------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Harness** | A connection between two parts on the canvas | | **Interface** | A connection capability defined on a part, such as I2C, a USB port or an air fitting, with a protocol type and a role | | **Interface instance** | One use of an interface on a part, up to the interface's capacity | | **Interface link** | The pairing of an interface on each side of a harness | | **Function** | One signal or conductor in an interface, such as SDA or VCC | | **Function link** | The pairing of a function on each side, like one wire in a cable | | **Resource** | A physical endpoint on a part: a pin, port, mounting hole or fitting | | **Allocation** | The assignment of a function to a resource | | **Fan-out** | One side of a harness carrying several instances of the same interface | | **Role** | Which side of a protocol an interface is on, such as master and slave for I2C | | **Domain** | The physical kind of connection: electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, thermal or software | ## Validation | Term | Definition | | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **DRC** | Design rule check: the live check of every harness. See [How DRC works](/validate-and-build/how-drc-works.md) | | **Configured / Partially configured / Not configured / Incompatible** | The four harness states | | **Board Review** | The panel listing DRC issues and review comments | | **Review comment** | A note in Board Review from you, a teammate or ProtoBot, optionally linked to a part or harness | | **BOM** | Bill of materials: the parts list with quantities, suppliers and prices | ## Organizing | Term | Definition | | ------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Board Identity** | A board's description, tags, requirements, notes, tasks, kits and concept images | | **Group** | A coloured, labelled frame around related parts and notes | | **Note** | A sticky note on the canvas, optionally connected to an object | | **Version history** | Automatic saved versions of a board that you can restore | | **Community** | The gallery of public boards | | **Clone** | Copy a public board into your account | ## Sharing | Term | Definition | | --------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Public / Private** | Whether anyone can view a board or project, or only people with access | | **Viewer / Editor / Owner** | The access roles. See [Roles and access](/collaborate/roles-and-access.md) | | **Invitation** | An emailed offer of a role on a project or board, valid for 30 days | | **View link** | A link that lets anyone who has it view a board, never edit it | | **Edit control** | One person edits a board at a time. **Viewing** is read only | | **Locked** | A private board over the Free limit, read only until unlocked | ## ProtoBot and agents | Term | Definition | | ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **ProtoBot** | The agent built into Protoboard | | **Mode** | Plan, Concept or Integrate: how much ProtoBot may change and research | | **Session** | A ProtoBot conversation, saved per board | | **Energy** | ProtoBot usage, in watt-hours (Wh). A credit unit, not electrical power | | **Bonus Energy** | Energy from coupons that never expires | | **Agent Bridge** | Protoboard's MCP server for external agents | | **MCP** | Model Context Protocol, the standard external agents use to call tools | | **Agent API key** | The key an external agent sends to the Agent Bridge, starting `pb_agent_` | ## Related pages * [Projects, boards and parts](/start-here/projects-boards-and-parts.md) * [Harnesses and function links](/editor/harnesses-and-function-links.md) * [ProtoPart Schema](/reference/protopart-schema.md)