AI and ChatGPT Glossary

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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A

application programming interface (API)

A documented way for software systems to exchange requests and results. MDN: API.

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 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

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

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 Deep Research

A ChatGPT research workflow in which a user can review a proposed plan, set available source boundaries, monitor progress, and receive a report with citations or source links that still require independent verification. Definition source.

Why it matters: Clarifies that a completed, cited report is input to a human provenance audit, not automatic approval.

Also known as: Deep Research

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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 Library

The ChatGPT collection for files uploaded to or created in normal chats; saved files can be reused in later chats and are deleted separately from the chat. Availability, retention and storage limits vary by plan and workspace. Definition source.

Why it matters: Distinguishes a saved, reusable file from its original conversation and from a connected file that stays in its outside service.

Also known as: Library in ChatGPT

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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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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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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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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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D

Document Object Model (DOM)

A programming interface that represents a web document as a tree of nodes and objects so programs can inspect or change its structure, style and content. MDN definition.

Why it matters: Distinguish a page element target from a screenshot-only visual reference.

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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

European Economic Area (EEA)

A single-market area comprising European Union countries together with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Definition source.

Why it matters: Explains the geographic shorthand when a product document distinguishes EEA eligibility from other territories.

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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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Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP)

A United States government-wide programme providing a standardised approach to the security and risk assessment of cloud products and services. Definition source.

Why it matters: An OpenAI product or workspace exclusion mentioning FedRAMP is an availability rule for that surface, not a statement that all government organisations are excluded.

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File Search

Why it matters: Names the hosted retrieval step in a source-ID and excerpt-led evidence packet.

Also known as: Responses File Search

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Free Lossless Audio Codec (FLAC)

An audio encoding format and associated container designed to compress audio without loss of fidelity. Definition source.

Why it matters: File names and encoding labels help interpret audio evidence, but do not by themselves prove that a file can be decoded or uploaded to a particular service.

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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

Graphics Interchange Format (GIF)

A palette-based image file format that can store still images or short animations. A successful file upload does not itself prove that writing in an image was read accurately. Definition source.

Why it matters: The Study tutorial names a non-animated GIF as one permitted image file type, but still requires literal page verification.

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gigabytes (GB)

A data-size unit; by the international decimal convention one gigabyte is one billion bytes. A gibibyte is a distinct binary unit of 2^30 bytes, and software may use differing display conventions. Definition source.

Why it matters: Prevents an uploaded-file size example from implying a provider-specific quota or counting convention.

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GPT-5.5 Instant Mini

A ChatGPT fallback after a user hits GPT-5.5 Instant or Auto rate limits, according to OpenAI’s 6 July 2026 release notes. It is not shown in the ChatGPT model picker; that update does not affect the API or Codex. Definition source.

Why it matters: Prevents confusing a documented ChatGPT fallback with a selectable API model or a Codex fallback.

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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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H

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

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

Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG)

JPEG is a widely used compressed still-image format named after the Joint Photographic Experts Group committee that developed the standard. JPEG photos commonly have a .jpeg or .jpg filename extension; the two extensions do not imply different photographic standards. Definition source.

Why it matters: A clear photograph may replace an unreadable scanned page only after the learner checks its actual characters and diagrams.

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JavaScript Object Notation Remote Procedure Call (JSON-RPC)

A stateless, lightweight remote procedure call (RPC) protocol that uses JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) as its data format. Definition source.

Why it matters: OpenAI describes its Codex App Server as using a “JSON-RPC lite” variant that keeps request, response, and notification shapes but omits the required JSON-RPC 2.0 header, so that variant should not be described as strict JSON-RPC 2.0 compliance.

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K

key performance indicator (KPI)

A defined measure of progress towards an intended result. The owner should specify its calculation, period and source so that an unchanged label is not mistaken for an unchanged measure. Definition source.

Why it matters: Board-presentation figures require approved definitions and periods, not a plausible AI-generated label.

Also known as: KPIs, key performance indicators

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Keyed-hash message authentication code (HMAC)

A mechanism for authenticating a message using a cryptographic hash function and a shared secret key. It is not encryption or a grant of resource access. RFC Editor definition.

Why it matters: Keep message-authentication checks distinct from subscription and document permissions.

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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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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

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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Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG)

The group whose name is used for a family of audio and video coding and container standards. Definition source.

Why it matters: File names and encoding labels help interpret audio evidence, but do not by themselves prove that a file can be decoded or uploaded to a particular service.

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MPEG-1 Audio Layer III (MP3)

An audio encoding format commonly used in files with the .mp3 filename extension. Definition source.

Why it matters: File names and encoding labels help interpret audio evidence, but do not by themselves prove that a file can be decoded or uploaded to a particular service.

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MPEG-4 audio file extension (M4A)

A filename extension used for audio in MPEG-4 containers; it is an extension label, not a separate audio codec. Definition source.

Why it matters: File names and encoding labels help interpret audio evidence, but do not by themselves prove that a file can be decoded or uploaded to a particular service.

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MPEG-4 container (MP4)

A media container that can hold audio and video tracks; the container name alone does not identify its contents. Definition source.

Why it matters: File names and encoding labels help interpret audio evidence, but do not by themselves prove that a file can be decoded or uploaded to a particular service.

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N

O

Ogg audio file extension (OGA)

The .oga filename extension for audio in an Ogg container; this extension label is not a separate codec. Definition source.

Why it matters: File names and encoding labels help interpret audio evidence, but do not by themselves prove that a file can be decoded or uploaded to a particular service.

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Ogg container label (OGG)

A media container name commonly used with .ogg audio files; Ogg is a name rather than an expanded acronym. Definition source.

Why it matters: File names and encoding labels help interpret audio evidence, but do not by themselves prove that a file can be decoded or uploaded to a particular service.

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P

Portable Network Graphics (PNG)

An image file format for losslessly compressed raster pictures, including pictures with transparent areas. It is not proof that an uploaded page is legible to a model. Definition source.

Why it matters: The Study tutorial accepts clear PNG photos as one route for rechecking a failed handwritten page.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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representational state transfer (REST)

An architectural style for web application interfaces; REST-based interfaces use resource representations and standard web request methods. Definition source.

Why it matters: Explains a technical web-interface term in a fictional Codex bug reproduction without claiming a particular endpoint exists.

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S

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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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

A ChatGPT Project shared with collaborators for related chats, uploaded files, and project instructions; OpenAI documents project-only memory for shared Projects. Definition source.

Why it matters: CE115 source-grounded product and workflow explanations.

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single sign-on (SSO)

A sign-in arrangement in which a user authenticates once through an identity provider to reach multiple applications; each application still determines the user’s allowed access. Definition source.

Why it matters: Explains authentication terminology without treating sign-in as permission to a repository or workspace.

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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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Static application security testing (SAST)

Analysis of source code or compiled code to help identify security flaws. A reported result still needs assessment rather than being treated as proof of security. OWASP definition.

Why it matters: Distinguish code-analysis findings from confirmed vulnerabilities and human security review.

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System Package Data Exchange (SPDX)

An open standard for communicating information about system components. Its short-form licence identifiers provide a standard way to state licence information in source-code or documentation files. SPDX project overview; SPDX identifier documentation.

Why it matters: Preserve a recorded licence identifier or expression exactly and refer its interpretation and applicability to a named human reviewer. A short identifier is not itself a legal opinion or redistribution approval.

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T

terminal user interface (TUI)

A user interface accessed through a terminal. OpenAI says Codex CLI started as a TUI (terminal user interface), meaning Codex is accessed through the terminal. Definition source

Why it matters: This distinguishes a terminal-based interface from a graphical interface when reading documentation about developer tools.

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U

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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V

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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W

Waveform Audio File Format (WAV)

An audio container format, commonly identified by the .wav filename extension. Definition source.

Why it matters: File names and encoding labels help interpret audio evidence, but do not by themselves prove that a file can be decoded or uploaded to a particular service.

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Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

The World Wide Web Consortium guidance on making web content accessible to people with disabilities, with testable success criteria across several accessibility needs. Mentioning the guidelines does not by itself establish conformance. Definition source.

Why it matters: The keyboard-regression prompt collection requires witnessed keyboard behaviour and human review rather than an unsupported compliance claim.

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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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