Glossary
A comprehensive reference of terms used in Defense Catalyst.
A
Action
A step in a flow that performs a task, such as sending an email, creating a record, or making an API call. Actions execute after the trigger fires.
API (Application Programming Interface)
A set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate with each other.
API Key
A unique identifier used to authenticate requests to an API. Used as an alternative to OAuth for some integrations.
Authentication
The process of verifying identity before granting access to a system or resource.
Authorization
The process of determining what actions an authenticated user is allowed to perform.
Automation
The use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention.
B
Batch Operation
Processing multiple items or records in a single operation, improving efficiency.
Bearer Token
A type of access token used in HTTP authentication, typically sent in the Authorization header.
Bot
An automated program that performs tasks, often used in chat platforms like Discord or Slack.
Branch
A flow control mechanism that allows different paths of execution based on conditions.
C
Channel
In messaging platforms (Slack, Discord), a space for conversations and notifications.
Connection
Saved authentication credentials for an external service, reusable across multiple flows.
Cron Expression
A string format used to define schedules for recurring tasks (e.g., 0 9 * * * for daily at 9 AM).
Custom Piece
A user-created integration or action that extends Defense Catalyst’s capabilities.
D
Data Mapping
The process of connecting data from one step to another in a flow, often using variables.
Data Picker
A UI tool that helps you select and insert data from previous steps into your current step.
Draft
A flow that is being edited but not yet published or enabled.
E
Embed
A rich formatted message with title, description, fields, and colors (used in Discord, Slack).
Endpoint
A specific URL where an API can be accessed to perform operations.
Environment Variable
A configuration value stored outside the code, used for settings like API keys.
Error Handling
The process of detecting, managing, and recovering from errors in a flow.
Execution
A single run of a flow from trigger to completion.
F
Flow
A workflow that automates a task by connecting a trigger with one or more actions.
Flow Builder
The visual interface for creating and editing flows in Defense Catalyst.
G
GET Request
An HTTP method used to retrieve data from a server.
Guild
Discord’s term for a server or community.
H
Header
Metadata sent with HTTP requests, often used for authentication or content type specification.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
The protocol used for transmitting data over the web.
HTTPS (HTTP Secure)
The secure version of HTTP, using encryption to protect data in transit.
I
Idempotency
The property of an operation that produces the same result when executed multiple times.
Integration
A connection between Defense Catalyst and an external service or application.
Input Data
Data received by a step from previous steps or external sources.
J
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation)
A lightweight data format used for storing and exchanging data.
JWT (JSON Web Token)
A compact token format used for authentication and information exchange.
L
Loop
A flow control mechanism that repeats actions for each item in a collection.
M
Mapping
See Data Mapping.
Method
The type of HTTP request (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, etc.).
N
Node
Another term for a step in a flow.
O
OAuth (Open Authorization)
An authentication protocol that allows applications to access user data without exposing passwords.
Output Data
Data produced by a step, available for use in subsequent steps.
P
Parameter
A value passed to a function, query, or API request to customize its behavior.
Payload
The data sent in an HTTP request body or received in a response.
Piece
A reusable integration or action in Defense Catalyst (e.g., Slack piece, GitHub piece).
Polling
A trigger method that periodically checks for new data or events.
POST Request
An HTTP method used to send data to a server to create or update resources.
Published
A flow that is enabled and actively running.
Q
Query
A request for data from a database or API.
Query Parameter
A key-value pair appended to a URL to pass data to an API (e.g., ?limit=10).
Queue
A system for managing and processing tasks in order.
R
Rate Limit
A restriction on the number of API requests allowed within a time period.
REST (Representational State Transfer)
An architectural style for designing networked applications using HTTP methods.
Retry
Attempting to execute a failed operation again, often with delays between attempts.
Run
A single execution of a flow, from trigger to completion.
Run History
A log of all flow executions, including status, timestamps, and data.
S
Schedule
A trigger that runs flows at specific times or intervals.
Scope
The level of access granted to an application through OAuth (e.g., read, write, admin).
Secret
Sensitive information like passwords, API keys, or tokens that should be kept secure.
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)
A security protocol for encrypting data transmitted over networks.
Status Code
A three-digit number returned by HTTP responses indicating the result (e.g., 200 = success, 404 = not found).
Step
An individual component in a flow (trigger or action).
T
Timeout
The maximum time allowed for an operation to complete before it’s considered failed.
Token
A string used for authentication, often obtained through OAuth.
Trigger
The event that starts a flow, such as a webhook, schedule, or app event.
U
URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
The address of a resource on the internet.
UTC (Coordinated Universal Time)
The primary time standard used globally, with no daylight saving time adjustments.
V
Variable
A placeholder for data that can be used throughout a flow.
Version
A specific iteration of a flow, allowing you to track changes and roll back if needed.
W
Webhook
A trigger that receives HTTP requests from external services to start a flow.
Workflow
See Flow.
Workspace
A container for your team’s flows, connections, and settings in Defense Catalyst.
X
XML (Extensible Markup Language)
A markup language used for encoding documents in a format readable by both humans and machines.
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