Terminology
Tatum - REST API cloud service. Tatum company runs the core part of the ecosystem in the cloud. It is possible to set up an on-premise version of the API on a custom infrastructure.
Tatum library/client library - The library, written in Javascript or another supported programming language, makes integration to the Tatum even easier. This is an open-source tool available for everyone.
Tatum KMS/Key Management System - An open-source application responsible for secure interactions with blockchain wallets / private keys.
Tatum Middleware - An open-source API server that runs locally on the developer's custom infrastructure. It is used for secure interactions with the blockchain wallets where KMS is not an option, and there is no Tatum library available for the developer-chosen programming language.
Client - User of the application built using Tatum. It can be a user of the crypto bank or smart meter in the blockchain-powered smart grid.
wallet/blockchain wallet/mnemonic - Set of 12-24 words, from which any blockchain address or private key can be generated. Mnemonic must not be shared and revealed to any third parties. Failure to do so may result in the theft of all your assets.
address/blockchain account - Blockchain account, where crypto assets are stored. This is publically available information that can be shared
private key/secret - Secret key to the public blockchain address, must not be shared.
blockchain transaction - operation between two blockchain addresses that transfers assets or data.
block/ledger - the base building block of the blockchain. Transactions are included in the block. Blocks are chained one after another and form a blockchain.
private ledger - Tatum emulator of blockchain functionalities. It is possible to perform transactions between accounts inside the ledger without any blockchain integration.
ledger account - Account created on the Tatum private ledger. It is a virtual envelope on the private ledger and holds information about balance or flags like frozen or active.
ledger customer - Representation of the application client, which is built on top of Tatum. Customers can have multiple ledger accounts and can be disabled or deactivated.
ledger transaction - Transaction between two ledger accounts that transfers value or meta information.
virtual currency - Currency created inside a private ledger. It is possible to create a ledger account of blockchain or virtual currency. Virtual currency is usually used to emulate FIAT currencies within Tatum.
off-chain - Tatum scaling solution built on top of the blockchain and private ledger functionalities.
off-chain address - Blockchain address connected to the ledger account. When the blockchain address is attached to the ledger account, the blockchain transactions' automatic synchronization is enabled to the ledger account.
deposit - Incoming blockchain transaction that occurs on the off-chain address.
off-chain transaction/withdrawal - Transaction between ledger account and blockchain address. This is the operation where crypto assets are transferred from the Tatum-managed blockchain wallet or a private key to the outside world.
