Glossary

Access Change Form (ACF)

Form used by internal and external clients to request access to VisualVault databases.

Active Directory (AD)

A Microsoft service that stores information about a company's users, devices, and network resources. It also helps administrators manage security settings.

Active User

[Legacy term] Any user that logs in to the VisualVault database.

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

A cloud computing platform that offers services for storage, computing, and content delivery.

Application Programming Interface (API)

Code that acts as a broker to let different web applications exchange information with one another. Users typically send a request to the API for data on its server, which it sends back, usually as a JSON object.

Argument

The value supplied to a function or procedure when it is called, or what you want the function to use to finish the directions. If the function is f(x) = 2x and the user calls f(3), 3 is the argument you want the function to use.

Array

A set or series of objects that are all the same type of data. For example, an array could consist entirely of integers (10, 20, 30, 40) or characters (a, b, c, d). It’s a data storage and access method that is quicker than defining a variable for every single value.

Back-End

Everything that happens behind-the-scenes to make the front-end perform as intended. Back-end developers write code in back-end languages like Ruby or Python to create functionality like logging in users, storing user preferences, and retrieving data like comments on a photo.

Binary

A two-symbol or two-choice system. A computer’s native language is binary and uses only 1’s and 0’s. For example, the character “A” translated to binary is 01000001. Raw code, or the language the computer reads, is in binary.

Boolean

A system of logic based on a binary variable of TRUE (1) or NOT TRUE (0) result. In coding, users can use Boolean data values to compare variables and execute different outcomes based on the result.

Business Process Automation (BPA)

The use of technology to automate repetitive, multi-step business tasks and processes, typically through software applications, to streamline operations, reduce manual effort, and improve efficiency within an organization by eliminating errors and freeing up employees to focus on more strategic work; essentially, it involves using technology to perform tasks that were previously done manually.

C# (pronounced “C-sharp”)

A modern, object-oriented programming language developed by Microsoft as part of its .NET platform. It is designed for building a wide range of applications, including desktop software, web services, cloud-based apps, mobile apps, and games (especially with Unity). C# combines the power and performance of C++ with the ease of use of languages like Java, featuring strong type safety, automatic memory management, and a rich set of libraries.

C++

An object-oriented language developed from its predecessor, C, that is more complex to learn. One of the main components of C++ is the user’s control over the computer’s resources, which makes it a popular language for game design and complex graphics.

Call

To set a programming function in motion and ask it to execute. A function is defined and then “called” later via text to have it run.

Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)

Defines the format and layout of elements on a webpage, such as font and color. A single stylesheet can be referenced by multiple HTML files and standardize the style of all the pages on a website.

Change Control Form (CCF)

Internal form used to record changes to a production level environment.

Character (CHAR)

A variable type that is an abbreviation for “character.” Any single character (3, x, $) meets this definition.

Class

Used in object-oriented programming, a class can be thought of as a category where objects who share characteristics reside. Users define a class to create a template for the variables and data that it contains.

Command

A direction users send to the computer through a programming interface, called a “shell.” Commands are typed into the “command line.”

Conditional Statement

A direction that is dependent on the value of a predetermined value or “condition.” It tells the computer “If x is TRUE, do this. If x is NOT TRUE, do that.”

Data

Information stored or processed by a computer. All digital data exists in binary digits, a system of zeros and ones that computers can read.

Disabled user

A user account that has been deactivated or made inactive.

Deliverable Expectations Document (DED)

A document that outlines the expectations for a project deliverable.

Document Library

Repository of electronic files or documents that are organized into folders. Custom metadata fields can be created to assist in finding files and in driving the results of the workflow. Workflow can be utilized to control the publication of documents for use by users who have permissions to only view the documents. Record Retention Rules can also be configured to manage the lifecycle of documents. Users can search for a document based on metadata or by conducting a full text search.

Downtime

Any period in which the VisualVault Subscriber is unable to access or use the VisualVault service because of an issue excluding (i) Scheduled Maintenance or (ii) document preview, search, email uploads, sync or FTP functions.

Enterprise Content Management (ECM)

A combination of strategies, tools, and methods for managing an organization's content. ECM helps businesses capture, store, organize, and deliver content throughout its lifecycle.

Electronic Document Management (EDM)

The practice of using a system to store, organize, and manage documents electronically.

Electronic Medical Record (EMR)

A digital version of a patient's medical chart.

Enabled user

A user account that is active and can access resources and perform tasks on a VisualVault database.

Environment

In the context of VisualVault and other software systems, an environment refers to a distinct configuration or setup that supports specific stages in the development, testing, deployment, and operation of an application.

Float

A variable that extends beyond the decimal point. While an integer is a whole number, floats are fractional (ex. 1.6578).

Form ID

Unique identification assigned to a form record by VisualVault.

Framework

A collection of libraries developed for a specific purpose. A structure that provides you with an architectural skeleton.

Front-End

Everything you can see and click in a browser. Front-end developers write code in front-end languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create the website appearance.

Function

A name given to a group of programming statements for easy reference and use.

Github

An open-source software sharing system based on Git, which manages the revision history of a program.

GovCloud

This is a specialized environment tailored for government agencies and organizations that need to comply with strict regulatory and security standards (such as FedRAMP in the U.S.). It may be designed to meet specific government requirements for data privacy, encryption, and auditing.

Guarantee Records Management (GRM)

GRM Information Management, Inc. is a leading provider of information management systems; affiliate company to VisualVault LLC.

Health Information Management (HIM)

The practice of acquiring, analyzing, and protecting digital and traditional medical information vital to providing quality care.

HyperText Markup Language (HTML)

The standard language for creating web pages. It uses a system of tags to define static elements like images and text.

Instance

An instance is a virtual machine. An Amazon Web Services (AWS) Virtual Machine (EC2) is an isolated environment where you can run applications, services and other workloads.

e.g. NA5 instance of VisualVault; ORC instance of VisualVault

Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

Helpful when writing code to provide features such as code completion, showing which functions are available within a library, debugging, and IntelliSense. Today’s most popular IDEs are Visual Studio Code, Visual Studio, IntelliJ IDEA, Android Studio, and XCode

Intelligent Forms (iForms)

A VisualVault tool to configure the user interface to capture different types of information.

Issue

A single reproducible problem that materially or significantly affects the functionality of the VisualVault service.

Iteration

Sometimes programs are repeated indefinitely or until a specific outcome is reached. Each execution of the instructions is an “iteration.”

Java

An object-oriented language similar to C++ used to develop web applications. Java is concurrent (can run multiple programs at once) and can run on all Java-enabled platforms without editing. Its security makes Java popular in the finance and e-commerce industries.

JavaScript (ECMA Script)

An object-oriented language used to create interactivity and define the behavior of elements created in HTML. Some examples of JavaScript are animation, fill-in-the-blank spaces, and buttons.

JavaScript Object Notation (JSON)

A Java-based file format that transmits data in a readable format. Data can be converted to and from JavaScript using JSON.

Language

The method of communicating with the computer using a specific vocabulary, grammar, and structure. Python, C++ and HTML are examples of different languages. Those are translated into binary digits, or bits, that the computer can read.

Legacy Data Achive

A system that stores old data long-term so it can be accessed when needed.

Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP)

A software protocol that helps users find and access information about people, organizations, and devices on a network. LDAP is also used to authenticate users and manage permissions.

Loop

A set of directions that is automatically repeated until a specific condition is met. It can run a predetermined number of times, while a variable remains TRUE, indefinitely, or for another specified span.

Metadata

Any information that can be stored that help users identify, classify or understand the meaning or significance of a document, form or other item within VisualVault.

Nested

Functions or objects that are contained within another function or object. So, a function that exists entirely inside the directions of a separate function is nested.

New Account Form

Internal form used by sales representatives to document new accounts and initiate billing.

Node.js

Node.js is not a language but a Runtime Environment. Node.js allows you to run JavaScript outside of the browser. So, by using Node.js, you can develop back-end applications with the JavaScript language.

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

A style of programming centered around treating the code as sections of data, or “objects.” Users define the objects and use them as entities while continuing to write the program. OOP can help developers design and navigate large, complex programs.

Objects

The basis of object-oriented programming, these are segments of code or data that can be referenced while programming.

Online Records Center (ORC)

An instance of VisualVault.

PHP

PHP refers to both a programming language and a Runtime Environment. The first version was released in 1995. It has maintained its popularity to this day. Until recently, many web applications developed worldwide were coded in PHP.

Platform

Refers to where the software you develop runs, e.g. if you develop an application for Windows, then Windows is your platform.

Power User

[Legacy term] Any user established as an Administrator with Editor rights or higher or who participates in an active workflow.

Preprod (Pre-production)

This environment is the final testing phase before deployment to production. It closely mirrors the production environment, allowing for final integration testing, performance evaluation, and user acceptance testing (UAT) in conditions that closely simulate real-world usage.

Production (Prod)

This is the live environment where the application runs for end users. It needs to be highly stable, secure, and scalable. Any updates to this environment are typically made with great care, following extensive testing in the lower environments.

Python

A multi-purpose language often used for creating web applications and data scraping or analysis. Python uses a simple syntax similar to the English language, and code can be executed immediately.

Rails

A framework designed to make creating webpages with Ruby easy.

Release of Information (ROI)

ROI in healthcare refers the process that ensures sensitive health data is shared securely and complies with legal and regulatory standards. It authorizes healthcare providers to disclose a patient’s health information to specified parties. This form is a critical tool in the release of information process, as it ensures that the patient consents to sharing their information.

Ruby

An object-oriented language designed to be readable for people familiar with any programming language. Its flexibility and simplicity make it a popular choice for coders of all skill levels.

Runtime Environment

Helper software that enables your developed software to run, e.g. the Node.js runtime environment, which allows JavaScript to run outside the browser

Rust

Rust is a systems programming language that was first released in 2010. It was developed by Mozilla Research and gained popularity due to its focus on performance, safety, and concurrency. Rust is designed to provide better memory safety while maintaining high performance, which makes it ideal for systems programming, web assembly, and other performance-critical applications.

Scheduled Maintenance

A time period identified by VisualVault in which VisualVault intends to have any maintenance of the service in order to update and patch systems and maintain service level agreements for vulnerability remediation.

Scratch

An online tool and visual programming language using a building-block approach to help teach children to code.

Scribe

A smart process and guide builder designed to streamline the creation of step-by-step guides. With Scribe, you can record your on-screen actions, like clicks and movements, and convert them into detailed step-by-step guides complete with screenshots and text.

Service Level Credit

A credit which may be offered to the VisualVault Subscriber if the uptime percentage is less than the percentages outlined within a Support Agreement.

Simple Storage Service (S3 Bucket)

A container for storing data in Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Software Development Kit (SDK)

Contain all the development tools needed for a specific platform. They include everything a software developer needs: libraries, APIs, IDEs, documentation, etc.

Solution Stack, Software Stack

A stack is a collection of platforms, frameworks, languages, and software brought together to solve a problem.

Source Code

The set of code or instructions a programmer wrote to create a webpage, application, or software. Viewing the source code shows a user the skeleton of an application.

Structured Query Language (SQL)

Sometimes pronounced “sequel,” this is a relational database management and data manipulation language. It can be used to update table structure, add or delete data, retrieve specific snapshots of data, and more.

Subscriber

Any users of the VisualVault platform for whom VisualVault is contractually obligated to provide its services.

Subscriber Contact

Any contact or agent of the Subscriber who has been approved by the Subscriber in writing access Support Services.

Support Services

The service availability, maintenance, and support services and provisions provided for in a Support Agreement.

Syntax

Similar to the grammar rules of any spoken language, syntax is the rules of a programming language that determine how it should be written.

System

The Hosting Services and Software provided by VisualVault to the Subscriber under any applicable Hosting Agreement.

System Administrator

That individual, or individuals, identified in writing by Subscriber to oversee the implementation and operation of the System by the Subscriber and shall act as the primary contact for any notifications required under a Support Agreement.

Tenant

A tenant is a group of users who share a common access with specific privileges to the software instance.

Terminal

A text-based interface to send commands to the computer.

Users

A user can authenticate with and access resources within VisualVault. A user is either a person who interacts with VisualVault or an application connecting to VisualVault programmatically to complete work.  

User Acceptance Testing (UAT)

The final stage of software development where real users test the application in a production-like environment to verify if it meets their needs and functions correctly in real-world scenarios, essentially ensuring the software is ready for deployment by validating its usability and functionality from the perspective of the intended end-user; it's sometimes referred to as "beta testing" or "end-user testing."

Uptime Percentage

The total number of minutes in a calendar month minus the numbers of minutes of downtime suffered during that month, divided by the total number of minutes during that month.

User Count

[Legacy term] Total number of users in the database.

UX (User Experience)

A qualitative measurement of how a user interacts with a web page, application or software.

Variable

A storage location that’s given a name and that contains numerical data or text (referred to as strings) for later use.

VaultAccess

A default user group in VisualVault, to which the first user is automatically assigned when a database is created. Members have Owner-level access to all documents, forms, and reports. They receive protection from deletion, account disabling, expiration, password expiration (with password change prompts if enabled), and user type changes. At least one user must remain in this group, and only existing VaultAccess members can assign others to it. Caution is advised to prevent administrative lockout.

VaultAdmin

A default user group created during VisualVault installation, initially without assigned users. Members of the VaultAdmin group can manage users, groups, locations, customers, and suppliers via Administration Tools. To access forms or documents, the group must be explicitly granted access. Only VaultAdmin or VaultAccess members can assign users to this group.

Viewer User

[Legacy term] Based on the maximum active users in effect during the monthly billing cycle. Any user not defined as a Power User.

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

A set of international standards developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) that outline how to make web content accessible to people with disabilities, ensuring that websites can be used by a wider range of users.

Wireframe

An illustration created by designers that show in detail a website’s layouts, images, and color schemes.

Workflow

Workflows facilitate the movement of documents, data or iForms through a business process from one group of people to another to facilitate work or approvals. Workflows can be very static or they can be dynamic. Dynamic workflows are facilitated when the workflow engine compares business rules to metadata and assigns groups of people when the business rules are true. All workflow events are traceable within VisualVault.