> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://kb.bravegen.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://kb.bravegen.com/carbon/reference/glossary.md).

# Glossary

Definitions of terms you'll encounter in the docs and dashboard.

Plain-language definitions of terms used across the platform. Click any entry to expand it.

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## A — F

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<summary><strong>API key</strong></summary>

A secret token that authenticates requests to the platform's API. Keys are scoped to an account and inherit the permissions of whoever created them. See [User Roles](/carbon/configuration/user-management/user-roles.md).

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<summary><strong>Automation</strong></summary>

A piece of code that runs in response to a trigger — for example, a deploy completing or a comment being posted. See [Automations](/carbon/guides/guides/automations.md).

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## G — P

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<summary><strong>Process</strong></summary>

Determines how a particular type of data is processed. Spawns Tasks to manage data collection. See [Processes](/carbon/core-concepts/data-collection/processes.md)

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<summary><strong>Inventory Item</strong></summary>

An item included in reporting - it takes activity from a source, applies any calculations before applying an emission factor to calculate emissions.

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## R — Z

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<summary><strong>Role</strong></summary>

An account-level designation that determines what a member can do. Roles are: External, Contributor, Reviewer, Editor, and Admin. See [User Roles](/carbon/configuration/user-management/user-roles.md).

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<summary><strong>Source</strong></summary>

A stream of activity and optionally cost within the system. Provides activity for Inventory Items. See [Activity Sources](/carbon/core-concepts/activity-sources.md)

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<summary><strong>SSO</strong></summary>

Single sign-on. Lets your team authenticate with your identity provider (Okta, Azure AD, etc.) instead of platform-specific credentials.

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<summary><strong>Task</strong></summary>

A single data collection bucket. Spawned by a process. When a task is marked as completed its data is included in reporting. See [Tasks](/carbon/core-concepts/data-collection/tasks.md)

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{% hint style="info" %}
A term missing? Speak with your BraveGen consultant or account team, or raise it through your normal support channel — we update this glossary regularly.
{% endhint %}