Glossary
Key terms and definitions used throughout the Cloud Service documentation.
A
Address
A unique identifier on the Cloud Service network that can receive and send CS. Similar to a bank account number.
ASIC
Application-Specific Integrated Circuit. Specialized hardware designed for mining cryptocurrencies. Cloud Service's ZelHash algorithm is designed to be ASIC-resistant.
API
Application Programming Interface. A set of protocols for building software applications. Cloud Service provides JSON-RPC, REST, and WebSocket APIs.
B
Block
A collection of transactions bundled together and added to the blockchain. Blocks are created approximately every 2 minutes.
Block Height
The number of blocks in the blockchain from the genesis block (block 0) to the current block.
Block Reward
The amount of CS awarded to a miner for successfully mining a block. Starts at 150 CS, halves twice to 37.5 CS, then remains fixed permanently.
Blockchain
A distributed, immutable ledger that records all Cloud Service transactions.
Broadcast
Sending a transaction or block to the network for inclusion in the blockchain.
C
Cold Storage
Keeping CS offline in a secure location, such as a paper wallet or hardware wallet, to protect from hacking.
Confirmation
When a transaction is included in a block. More confirmations mean greater security.
Consensus
The process by which all nodes agree on the state of the blockchain.
CPU
Central Processing Unit. The main processor in a computer. Not efficient for Cloud Service mining.
D
Decentralized
Not controlled by a single entity. Cloud Service is decentralized, with no central authority.
Difficulty
A measure of how hard it is to mine a new block. Adjusts every block using the LWMA3 algorithm to maintain 2-minute block times.
Double-Spend
Attempting to spend the same CS twice. Prevented by the blockchain's consensus mechanism.
E
F
Fork
A split in the blockchain. Can be temporary (two blocks found simultaneously) or permanent (protocol change).
Full Node
A node that downloads and validates the entire blockchain, enforcing all consensus rules.
G
GPU
Graphics Processing Unit. A specialized processor for rendering graphics, also used for cryptocurrency mining. Cloud Service mining is GPU-based.
Genesis Block
The first block in the blockchain (block 0). Created when the network launched.
Gossip Protocol
The method by which nodes share information with each other by passing messages to random peers.
H
Halving
An event that reduces the block reward by 50%. Occurs every 4 years in Cloud Service.
Hash
A fixed-length output produced by a cryptographic function. Used to identify blocks and transactions.
Hash Rate
The speed at which a miner performs hash calculations. Measured in Sol/s (solutions per second).
Hot Wallet
A wallet connected to the internet. Convenient for transactions but less secure than cold storage.
I
Inflation Rate
The rate at which new CS is created. Decreases over time due to halving.
L
Light Node
A node that doesn't store the full blockchain. Uses less resources but trusts full nodes for data.
Lock Time
A transaction field that specifies when a transaction can be included in a block.
M
Mainnet
The main Cloud Service network where real CS is transacted.
Mempool
Memory pool. A collection of unconfirmed transactions waiting to be included in a block.
Merkle Root
A hash of all transaction hashes in a block. Used to verify transaction inclusion.
Mining
The process of securing the network and earning CS by solving computational puzzles.
Multi-Signature
A wallet or address that requires multiple private keys to authorize a transaction.
N
Node
A computer running Cloud Service software that participates in the network.
Nonce
A number used once in mining. Miners change the nonce to find a valid block hash.
P
P2P
Peer-to-Peer. A decentralized network where all nodes are equal.
Paper Wallet
A physical document containing a wallet address and private key for cold storage.
Peer
Another node connected to your node on the network.
Premine
Creating coins before the public launch. Cloud Service has no premine.
Private Key
A secret number that allows spending CS from an address. Never share your private key.
ZelHash
Modified Equihash 125,4 with "ZelProof" personalization. Cloud Service's mining algorithm, designed to be GPU-friendly and ASIC-resistant.
Proof of Work (PoW)
A consensus mechanism where miners compete to solve computational puzzles to create blocks.
Public Key
A cryptographic key derived from a private key. Used to generate addresses.
R
RPC
Remote Procedure Call. A protocol for interacting with a Cloud Service node programmatically.
S
Signature
Cryptographic proof that a transaction was authorized by the owner of an address.
SPV
Simplified Payment Verification. A lightweight method of verifying transactions without downloading the full blockchain.
Stratum
A mining protocol that allows miners to work together in a pool.
T
Testnet
A test network that mirrors mainnet but uses valueless coins. Used for development and testing.
Transaction
A transfer of CS from one address to another.
Transaction Fee
A fee paid to miners for including a transaction in a block.
U
UTXO
Unspent Transaction Output. The amount of CS available to be spent from an address.
V
Validation
The process of verifying that blocks and transactions follow consensus rules.
W
Wallet
Software that stores private keys and allows sending/receiving CS.
Wallet.dat
The file that stores wallet data, including private keys and transaction history.
WebSocket
A protocol for real-time communication between applications and the Cloud Service network.