Words to know

Tech is full of jargon. Here are the words used in RISER, in plain English.

Agent — The program that runs on the controller. It reads sensors and runs the boiler.

API — A set of web addresses that programs use to talk to each other.

API key — A password for a machine. A controller uses one to prove who it is.

Backend — The cloud server. It takes in data and serves it back out.

Boiler — The machine that makes heat for a building.

CI/CD — Computer steps that test and deploy code for you, so you do not forget any.

Cloud — Other computers on the internet that run your software for you.

Container — A packaged-up copy of an app with everything it needs to run.

Controller — The small, rugged computer bolted near the boiler.

CORS — A browser rule about which websites may call which servers. We allow our own sites.

Database — A very organized place to store information. We use PostgreSQL.

Deploy — To put code on real servers for people to use.

Edge — Out in the real world, near the machine, not in the cloud.

Endpoint — One web address in the API, like /api/v1/telemetry.

Interlock — A safety check that blocks an unsafe action.

Migration — A small file with steps to change the database tables.

Operator — A person who manages buildings and boilers in the web app.

Organization (org) — A company account. People and buildings belong to an org.

Relay — A small switch the controller flips to run or stop the boiler.

Role — How much a person is allowed to do: viewer, operator, or org admin.

Safe state — The boiler runs on its own built-in controls, and heat stays available.

Secret — A private value like a password or key. It never goes in the code.

Simulator — A fake boiler used for testing. The agent cannot tell it is fake.

Telemetry — Measurements sent from far away, like temperatures from a boiler.

Token — A signed pass a person gets after logging in. It proves who they are.

Virtual environment (venv) — A private box that holds the exact tools a project needs.

Watchdog — A timer that forces safety if the program freezes.