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

# Glossary

This glossary defines essential terms that are commonly used when writing new patterns. It focuses on key terms and resolves ambiguities where necessary.

Through this the glossary helps members of the Patterns Working Group to use consistent language when writing and reviewing patterns.

* **legal entity** - An entity that has its own legal rights and obligations (synonyms: company, subsidiary) (e.g. Lufthansa Systems GmbH, Lufthansa Industry Solutions TS GmbH, ...)
* **organization** - An umbrella for multiple legal entities. (synonyms: group, enterprise) (e.g. Lufthansa)
* **project** - Projects serve as a planning and tracking tool that can integrate with the issues and pull requests within one or more repositories. In [GitHub documentation](https://docs.github.com/en/issues/planning-and-tracking-with-projects/learning-about-projects/about-projects), projects are described as an adaptable spreadsheet, task-board, and road map that integrates with your issues and pull requests to help you plan and track your work effectively. A single project can include items (e.g. issues and pull requests) from multiple repositories.
* **repository** - A repository is a central location for source code, files, where each file's revision history is stored and managed. It enables version control and collaboration among multiple contributors. Repositories are designed to facilitate collaboration, discussion, and management of work through features like issues, pull requests, and project boards. A single repository can be associated with multiple projects.

*Note that his glossary is far from complete. If you see terms that are used frequently in our patterns and should be defined in this glossary, please add them.*


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://patterns.innersourcecommons.org/appendix/glossary.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
