Understand AI terms without the shorthand
This glossary expands specialist terms used across ChatGPT AI Hub. Each definition includes an evidence source and links to related practical guidance where available.
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.NET
Microsoft’s cross-platform development platform and runtime ecosystem. Definition source.
Why it matters: The generated workflow examples must preserve the project’s real language and toolchain rather than guessing from filenames.
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A
Agent Security
Workspace-level requirements for supported agent behaviour, managed execution networking, and tool use. Definition source.
Why it matters: It operates alongside, rather than automatically replacing, settings saved in an individual Codex Cloud environment.
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application programming interface (API)
A documented way for software systems to exchange requests and results. Definition source.
Why it matters: APIs let applications use model, search, publishing, and analytics services programmatically.
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architectural decision record (ADR)
A record of a significant software-architecture decision, its context and consequences, maintained under the team’s decision process. Definition source.
Why it matters: A repository atlas may cite a pre-existing ADR but cannot make or approve a new architectural decision.
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artificial intelligence (AI)
Computer systems designed to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as understanding language, recognising patterns, or making predictions. Definition source.
Why it matters: A broad category that includes generative models and assistant products.
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artificial intelligence optimization (AIO)
The practice of structuring accurate, attributable content so artificial intelligence answer systems can discover, understand, and cite it. Definition source.
Why it matters: This site uses AIO as an editorial term; it is not presented as a formal industry standard.
Also known as: answer engine optimization
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B
Batch API
An asynchronous OpenAI API service that processes a file of requests within a documented completion window. Definition source.
Why it matters: It is intended for work that does not require an immediate response and returns separate output and error files.
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business associate agreement (BAA)
A contract that establishes required safeguards and responsibilities when a covered entity or business associate handles protected health information. Definition source.
Why it matters: Codex Cloud guidance explicitly states whether the service is covered by OpenAI’s BAA.
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C
cached input token
An input token reused through prompt caching and charged under the model provider’s current cached-input price rules. Definition source.
Why it matters: Caching can reduce repeat-processing cost, but eligibility and rates depend on the model and request conditions.
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call to action (CTA)
A prompt that asks a reader to take a specific next step, such as opening a resource or subscribing. Definition source.
Why it matters: A clear CTA connects useful content to an intended reader action.
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Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)
A language used to control the presentation and layout of web pages. Definition source.
Why it matters: CSS provides the visible styling and responsive behavior of glossary tooltips and article layouts.
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ChatGPT dots
Gradually rolled-out, ongoing ChatGPT agents that OpenAI says run on GPT-6 Astra and have a cloud computer; plan, region, client, and administrator settings condition availability. Definition source.
Why it matters: CE115 source-grounded product and workflow explanations.
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ChatGPT Page
An editable content surface in ChatGPT Space that can be shared with available view, comment, or edit roles; material copied onto a shared Page is visible to people who can read it. Definition source.
Why it matters: CE115 source-grounded product and workflow explanations.
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ChatGPT plugin
A packaged set of reusable guidance, reference material and, where supported, app connections; installing a plugin does not by itself grant app or provider data access. Definition source.
Why it matters: CE115 source-grounded product and workflow explanations.
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ChatGPT Space
A place where supported ChatGPT accounts can group related Pages and collaborate on work; actual access and sharing options depend on the account and workspace. Definition source.
Why it matters: CE115 source-grounded product and workflow explanations.
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ChatGPT Work
An agentic ChatGPT experience for longer, multi-step work and finished deliverables, distinct from regular Chat and Codex. Definition source.
Why it matters: Model access and cloud capabilities can depend on plan, workspace role, and rollout status.
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Codex Cloud
OpenAI-managed cloud environments where Codex can run coding tasks in isolated task workspaces. Definition source.
Why it matters: Reusable environments can package repositories, tools, dependencies, and access settings for new tasks.
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Comma-separated values (CSV)
A plain-text format for table-like records whose fields are separated by commas; quoting rules can protect commas and line breaks inside a field. Definition source.
Why it matters: Consultation exports need an explicit row, field, encoding and privacy check before any analysis.
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command-line interface (CLI)
A text-based interface for running commands and tools. Definition source.
Why it matters: Codex CLI controls must be interpreted against the installed version and documented approval settings.
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completion window
The configured time within which an asynchronous Batch API job is expected to finish or expire. Definition source.
Why it matters: The current Batch API documentation specifies a 24-hour completion window.
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conflict of interest
A situation in which a personal, financial, or organizational interest could impair, or appear to impair, impartial judgment. Definition source.
Why it matters: Procurement evaluators should disclose and resolve conflicts under the controlling process before reviewing proposals.
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consensus evaluation
A documented process in which individual evaluators discuss evidence and agree a collective assessment under approved rules. Definition source.
Why it matters: AI can organize evidence and draft meeting material, but people retain scoring and award authority.
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context window
The maximum amount of input and generated output a model can handle within one request under its documented limits. Definition source.
Why it matters: A large context window does not guarantee that every detail will be used correctly.
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continuous integration (CI)
A software-development practice that automatically integrates and tests changes in a shared repository. Definition source.
Why it matters: A controlled Codex workflow can investigate a failed CI run while keeping repository-write authority separate.
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Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)
The internationally agreed standard for world time, used here to identify the time reference in timestamps and offsets. Definition source.
Why it matters: A timestamp example with an offset must be distinguished from a claim about what a particular software version accepts.
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criterion weight
The approved share of an evaluation score assigned to a specific criterion. Definition source.
Why it matters: Weights must come from the governing rubric and should never be invented or changed by a model.
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custom GPT migration
OpenAI’s planned transition from a creator’s latest published custom GPT to a plugin; instructions, knowledge files and connected apps have documented destinations, while selected model, conversations, sharing and custom actions do not automatically transfer. Definition source.
Why it matters: CE115 source-grounded product and workflow explanations.
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custom_id
A unique identifier attached to each Batch API request so its result can be matched back to the original input. Definition source.
Why it matters: Batch outputs may arrive in a different order, making this identifier essential for reconciliation.
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D
dot context reset
A Dot deletion that removes its conversations, saved memories and scheduled tasks; separately stored files, Codex threads and ChatGPT conversations can remain and need separate review. Definition source.
Why it matters: CE115 source-grounded product and workflow explanations.
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E
environment variable
A named value supplied to a program through its runtime environment. Definition source.
Why it matters: In Codex Cloud, a direct environment variable is passed to programs and should be scoped to the minimum necessary task.
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error file
The Batch API output file that records requests that failed or expired. Definition source.
Why it matters: A reliable batch workflow reads both the successful output file and the error file before reporting completion.
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European Economic Area (EEA)
A single-market area comprising European Union countries together with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. OpenAI lists its Dots availability separately from Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Definition source.
Why it matters: The Dots playbook distinguishes availability in the European Economic Area from the United Kingdom and Switzerland.
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evaluation rubric
An approved set of criteria, weights, scales, and decision rules used to assess submitted material. Definition source.
Why it matters: A model can organize evidence against a rubric but must not create unstated criteria or make the final decision.
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evidence matrix
A structured table linking each evaluation criterion to cited supporting, missing, ambiguous, or contradictory source material. Definition source.
Why it matters: It supports traceability by showing what evidence underlies each provisional finding.
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F
false positive
A reported positive finding that a later check shows is not a genuine match; in code review this may be a flagged rule violation that the labeled fixture does not actually contain. Definition source.
Why it matters: The proposed Codex rule study should measure needless review work as well as true findings; no results are claimed until fixtures and outputs exist.
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frequently asked questions (FAQ)
A collection of recurring questions and concise answers about a subject. Definition source.
Why it matters: An FAQ improves navigation but should link to fuller evidence where details or exceptions matter.
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G
generative pre-trained transformer (GPT)
A family of transformer-based language models trained to generate and analyze content. Definition source.
Why it matters: GPT models power many ChatGPT and API capabilities.
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GPT-6.1 Sol
An OpenAI model documented for complex coding, computer use, and professional work across eligible product and API surfaces. Definition source.
Why it matters: Its access, pricing, features, and limits should be checked against current documentation.
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gross domestic product (GDP)
The market value of final goods and services produced within a country during a stated period. Definition source.
Why it matters: Economic comparisons need a dated source and should not be treated as a direct measure of model quality.
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ground-truth label
A human-reviewed reference label used as the expected result when evaluating a classifier. Definition source.
Why it matters: Representative labels make it possible to measure errors before applying a classifier at scale.
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H
holdout set
A collection of representative examples kept separate from prompt or workflow development and used for evaluation. Definition source.
Why it matters: Testing on a holdout set helps reveal whether a classifier generalizes beyond the examples used to design it.
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human merge gate
A repository control that requires an authorized reviewer to approve a proposed code change before it is merged. Definition source.
Why it matters: Codex can propose a patch, but the merge decision remains with people and repository policy.
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human-in-the-loop review
A control in which an accountable person reviews model output before it can affect a consequential decision or system. Definition source.
Why it matters: It is essential when output is uncertain, sensitive, legally significant, or operationally irreversible.
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HyperText Markup Language (HTML)
The standard markup language used to structure content on web pages. Definition source.
Why it matters: Semantic HTML helps readers, assistive technology, search engines, and AI agents interpret articles.
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Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)
A standard request-and-response protocol for exchanging representations and related metadata between web clients and servers. Definition source.
Why it matters: HTTP transport describes a connection mechanism, not the authority or permissions of the connected tool.
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Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS)
The encrypted form of web communication protected with Transport Layer Security. Definition source.
Why it matters: Encrypted transport is one layer of access control; it does not replace authorisation or secret governance.
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I
identifier (ID)
A value used to distinguish one record, task, source or object from another. Definition source.
Why it matters: Stable identifiers support reconciliation, audit trails and source-level verification.
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inherited Space access
Access to a Page that comes from a parent Page or Space rather than a direct invitation; removing a direct invite does not remove access still inherited from the parent. Definition source.
Why it matters: CE115 source-grounded product and workflow explanations.
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integrated development environment (IDE)
A software application combining tools for writing, building, testing and debugging code. Definition source.
Why it matters: An IDE extension is a different interface from the Codex terminal or web service.
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J
JavaScript Object Notation (JSON)
A text format for representing structured data as objects, arrays, numbers, strings, and other values. Definition source.
Why it matters: JSON is commonly used by APIs, manifests, and structured-data systems.
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JSON Lines (JSONL)
A text format containing one valid JavaScript Object Notation value per line. Definition source.
Why it matters: The Batch API accepts request files in this format and returns line-oriented results.
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JSON Schema
A vocabulary for describing and validating the expected structure of JavaScript Object Notation data. Definition source.
Why it matters: OpenAI Structured Outputs uses a supported subset to constrain response shape.
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L
large language model (LLM)
A machine-learning model trained on large text collections to understand and generate language. Definition source.
Why it matters: LLMs can draft, analyze, classify, and transform content, but their output requires verification.
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least privilege
The security principle of granting only the permissions required for a task and no broader access. Definition source.
Why it matters: A CI remediation job can remain read-only while a separate job holds the limited permission needed to open a pull request.
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linked versus copied Page content
A link to a file keeps its own source permissions, while text or summaries copied onto a shared Page can be read by its Page collaborators. Definition source.
Why it matters: CE115 source-grounded product and workflow explanations.
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M
mandatory requirement
A solicitation condition that a proposal must satisfy under the governing procurement rules. Definition source.
Why it matters: Models should identify supplied evidence and gaps but should not determine legal responsiveness without authorized human review.
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megabytes (MB)
A file-size unit based on bytes; under the international decimal convention one megabyte equals one million bytes, while some software uses different binary conventions. Definition source.
Why it matters: Treat a provider’s stated MB file limit as approximate unless its documentation specifies the counting convention.
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Model Context Protocol (MCP)
A protocol for connecting AI applications with tools and data sources through defined interfaces. Definition source.
Why it matters: Authentication and scope controls still apply to every connected service.
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model snapshot
A dated or otherwise fixed model version used to make behaviour more reproducible over time. Definition source.
Why it matters: Recording a snapshot helps teams detect changes and rerun representative evaluations.
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N
network secret
A credential that Codex Cloud substitutes through a proxy for allowed HTTPS destinations instead of exposing the raw value locally. Definition source.
Why it matters: Destination restrictions and the environment’s authorization still require independent review.
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P
patch artifact
A saved representation of proposed file changes that can be reviewed and applied in a later workflow step. Definition source.
Why it matters: Separating patch creation from repository write permissions reduces the authority of the AI-bearing job.
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Personal vault
A Codex Cloud area where each user stores personal environment variables or network secrets for environments that request them. Definition source.
Why it matters: Sharing an environment can share required key names without transferring another user’s stored values.
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Portable Document Format (PDF)
A fixed-layout document format used to preserve page appearance across systems. Definition source.
Why it matters: Scanned or visually complex PDF files can require manual verification because text extraction may be incomplete.
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precision
The share of reported positive findings that are actually positive in the labeled evaluation set; it depends on the evaluation task and annotation rules. Definition source.
Why it matters: A proposed code-review measurement must declare its labeled fixtures and scoring rubric before comparing review conditions.
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proactive read-only research
A constrained Dots research mode for permitted connected sources; its tools cannot directly send messages, change connected content, or control a browser or desktop. Definition source.
Why it matters: CE115 source-grounded product and workflow explanations.
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prompt injection
An attempt to manipulate an AI system through untrusted instructions embedded in content, data, or tool output. Definition source.
Why it matters: Repository text and pull-request metadata should be treated as untrusted input in automation.
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protected health information (PHI)
Individually identifiable health information protected under applicable United States health-information rules. Definition source.
Why it matters: The cited Codex Cloud guidance says not to process PHI where the service is not covered by OpenAI’s BAA.
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provisional score
A tentative evaluation score that remains subject to evidence checking, evaluator calibration, and authorized approval. Definition source.
Why it matters: A model-generated score must never be treated as a final procurement determination.
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pseudonymisation
Replacing, removing or transforming direct identifiers and keeping the information needed to reconnect them separately; the resulting record can still be personal data. Definition source.
Why it matters: A respondent ID is not a guarantee of anonymity; authorize the environment and control the separately held identity key.
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published environment
A Codex Cloud setup whose prepared filesystem is captured for use by new tasks. Definition source.
Why it matters: Republishing updates the reusable setup for new tasks while existing tasks retain their own state.
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pull request (PR)
A proposed set of repository changes submitted for review before integration. Definition source.
Why it matters: The controlled write job may create a pull request, but a human remains responsible for merge approval.
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Q
qualitative codebook
A documented set of topic or theme codes used to classify qualitative responses consistently, with meanings and application decisions reviewed by researchers. Definition source.
Why it matters: Consultation themes require source IDs, counterexamples and human checking; a code count is not automatically an estimate of public opinion.
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quality assurance (QA)
Planned checks used to determine whether a product or process meets specified requirements. Definition source.
Why it matters: Content and software releases require evidence-led checks before publication or deployment.
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R
read-only sandbox
An execution boundary that restricts local filesystem changes during Codex work; it does not independently establish factual accuracy or make all data sharing safe. Definition source.
Why it matters: An atlas tutorial can use the read-only setting and still requires review of external access, sensitive source content and any shell-created output file.
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Really Simple Syndication (RSS)
A standardized web-feed format that lets software retrieve newly published or updated content. Definition source.
Why it matters: RSS helps readers and automated systems discover new articles.
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reasoning effort
A model setting that controls how much reasoning computation the provider allows for a response. Definition source.
Why it matters: Higher effort can change quality, latency, and token use and should be selected through representative evaluation.
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recall
The share of actual positive examples identified as positive in a labeled evaluation set; high recall alone does not describe false-alarm burden. Definition source.
Why it matters: A Codex rule study should pair detected violations with clean-case checks and reviewer effort, not declare a winner from recall alone.
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reference photo
A photo saved in ChatGPT Personalization for reuse in supported shopping try-on experiences; the reference-photo control is separate from chat, saved images, and training settings. Definition source.
Why it matters: Review saved photo, conversation and model-improvement controls separately before uploading an identifying image.
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repository introductory file (README)
A file explaining what a repository project does, how to get started and where to find help; GitHub commonly surfaces it to repository visitors. Definition source.
Why it matters: Check this file against actual code and commands during repository onboarding rather than treating it as infallible.
Also known as: README.md
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repository permission
An authorization granted by a source-control platform to read or change repository resources. Definition source.
Why it matters: Access to a shared Codex environment does not automatically grant repository permissions.
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request for proposal (RFP)
A formal solicitation asking suppliers to submit proposals against stated requirements and evaluation criteria. Definition source.
Why it matters: The final approved solicitation and addenda define the evidence boundary for an evaluation workflow.
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Responses API
An OpenAI application programming interface for generating model responses and using supported tools. Definition source.
Why it matters: Current OpenAI model pages identify which models and tool capabilities are supported on this endpoint.
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responsive proposal
A proposal determined under the governing rules to meet applicable solicitation requirements. Definition source.
Why it matters: This status is a human procurement or legal determination, not a conclusion a language model should make autonomously.
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role-based access control (RBAC)
A method of assigning permissions through defined roles rather than one person at a time. Definition source.
Why it matters: Workspace model and feature access can depend on the member’s assigned role.
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S
saved virtual-machine state (saved VM state)
The retained files and installed tools associated with an existing Codex Cloud task for the documented recovery period. Definition source.
Why it matters: It does not replace version control, backup, or a retention policy.
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search engine optimization (SEO)
The practice of improving a website's technical accessibility, relevance, and usefulness for organic search discovery. Definition source.
Why it matters: SEO work includes source-grounded content, site structure, metadata, links, and performance.
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Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA)
A family of cryptographic hash algorithms standardised for producing fixed-length message digests. Definition source.
Why it matters: A recorded SHA-256 digest helps verify that a patch artifact has not changed between jobs.
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separation of duties
A control that divides sensitive capabilities among distinct roles or workflow stages. Definition source.
Why it matters: A read-only Codex job can generate a patch while a separate job has the permission to open a pull request.
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service-level agreement (SLA)
A service-specific agreement that states covered services, service-level objectives and the applicable remedy or exclusions; it is not the same thing as a status-page snapshot. Definition source.
Why it matters: Availability decisions should be based on the actual applicable agreement and observed service behaviour, not a status badge alone.
Also known as: Service level agreement
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service-level objective (SLO)
A target value or range for a service level, measured by a defined service-level indicator, such as a request-success rate or response-time measure. Definition source.
Why it matters: The Space masterclass uses this term in an example service-reliability decision packet.
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shared ChatGPT Project
Why it matters: CE115 source-grounded product and workflow explanations.
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software development kit (SDK)
A collection of libraries, tools and documentation for building against a platform. Definition source.
Why it matters: An SDK can simplify API integration but does not remove the need to verify requests and outputs.
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solicitation addendum
An authorized amendment or clarification that becomes part of the solicitation record. Definition source.
Why it matters: Evaluators should confirm that every proposal is assessed against the same final approved addenda.
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source register
A controlled list of the authoritative documents, versions, dates, and identifiers used in an evaluation. Definition source.
Why it matters: It prevents an AI-assisted review from silently mixing drafts or unapproved external material.
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standard input/output (STDIO)
The standard input and output streams that allow a client to exchange protocol messages with a locally launched server process. Definition source.
Why it matters: A local-process transport differs from a remote HTTP server in execution location and access control.
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Structured Outputs
An OpenAI feature that constrains a model response to a supplied supported JavaScript Object Notation schema. Definition source.
Why it matters: It improves format reliability but does not guarantee that the values are true or appropriate.
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T
task workspace
The isolated files and runtime state associated with one Codex Cloud task. Definition source.
Why it matters: Environment sharing does not grant access to another person’s task workspace.
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taxonomy
An agreed classification system of categories and definitions. Definition source.
Why it matters: A ticket classifier needs a stable taxonomy and rules for ambiguous or multi-issue records.
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time to live (TTL)
A configured lifetime after which cached or networked data is treated as expired. Definition source.
Why it matters: Caching guidance must preserve the provider-documented lifetime and scope.
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total cost of ownership (TCO)
The complete cost of operating a system, including usage, tools, retries, labour, controls, and maintenance. Definition source.
Why it matters: Token prices alone do not determine the total cost of a model workflow.
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trusted trigger
An automation event restricted to approved actors, repositories, branches, or conditions. Definition source.
Why it matters: Trusted triggers reduce the chance that unreviewed repository content can invoke a privileged workflow.
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U
Uniform Resource Locator (URL)
The address used to identify and access a resource on the web. Definition source.
Why it matters: Canonical URLs help systems identify the preferred location of an article or source.
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United Kingdom (UK)
The United Kingdom, abbreviated UK. OpenAI lists its Dots availability separately from the European Economic Area and Switzerland. Definition source.
Why it matters: The Dots rollout guidance distinguishes United Kingdom access from European Economic Area and Swiss availability.
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user interface (UI)
The controls and visual surfaces through which a person interacts with software. Definition source.
Why it matters: Product access and settings can differ between a user interface and an API.
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V
virtual machine (VM)
A software-defined computing environment that runs an operating system and applications. Definition source.
Why it matters: Saved Codex task state is not equivalent to a durable backup or records system.
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virtual private network (VPN)
A protected logical connection that carries traffic across another network. Definition source.
Why it matters: A VPN can restrict or route access but does not itself prove that a workload is authorised.
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virtual try-on
An image-based shopping preview that places a pictured garment or accessory on an uploaded or captured image; the preview does not guarantee real-world fit, size or exact appearance. Definition source.
Why it matters: Shopping readers should inspect seller specifications and policies instead of treating an AI image as a fitting-room measurement.
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Y
YAML Ain’t Markup Language (YAML)
A human-readable data-serialization language often used for configuration files. Definition source.
Why it matters: Workflow files written in YAML must be parsed and validated rather than treated as plain prose.
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Z
Zero Data Retention (ZDR)
An OpenAI API data-control option requiring prior approval; it excludes customer content from abuse-monitoring logs under documented limitations, but some features can still persist application state. Definition source.
Why it matters: ZDR is not a blanket guarantee of zero processing, retention or third-party storage for every endpoint or app.
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