- Agent (AI Agent)
- An autonomous AI system capable of reasoning, using tools, and accomplishing multi-step goals without continuous human prompting (e.g., your OpenClaw setup).
- Anthropic
- An AI research company that created the Claude family of models, heavily favored for coding, nuanced writing, and large context windows.
- API (Application Programming Interface)
- The bridge that allows two software systems to communicate. OpenClaw uses APIs to talk to OpenAI, Anthropic, or external tools like Telegram and Stripe.
- ChatGPT
- The popular consumer-facing web interface created by OpenAI, powered by their GPT base models. Distinct from the OpenAI API, which developers use to build tools like OpenClaw.
- Context Window
- The maximum amount of text (measured in tokens) an AI can "remember" and process in a single interaction. For example, a 128K context window is roughly a 300-page book.
- Gateway
- The structural core server of OpenClaw. It routes messages securely between your LLM, your installed skills, and your user interfaces (like Slack or Telegram).
- Human-In-The-Loop (HITL)
- A security paradigm where an AI is paused before executing a destructive or high-risk action (like making a payment or deleting files) until a human clicks "Approve."
- LLM (Large Language Model)
- The "brain" of modern AI. A sophisticated neural network trained on massive amounts of data to understand, generate, and reason with human language.
- LM Studio
- A popular desktop application that allows you to discover, download, and run LocalLLMs directly on your Mac, Windows, or Linux machine through a user-friendly interface.
- LocalLLM
- An LLM that is hosted entirely on your own local computer hardware rather than in the cloud. Running a LocalLLM ensures 100% privacy, zero subscription costs, and offline capabilities.
- MD File (Markdown)
- A lightweight text file format ending in .md. It uses simple syntax (like # for headers and * for bold) to format text natively. OpenClaw uses .md files heavily to store agent memories and instructions.
- Model
- A specific version or "flavor" of an AI (e.g., GPT-4o, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, Llama-3). Different models are optimized for different tasks—some for speed, some for math, some for creativity.
- Ollama
- A lightweight, developer-focused command-line tool that lets you run, pull, and manage open-source models (LocalLLMs) directly from your terminal.
- OpenAI
- The AI research lab behind ChatGPT and the GPT series of models (GPT-3.5, GPT-4, GPT-4o). Their models are widely integrated into cloud-hosted OpenClaw agents.
- OpenClaw
- A powerful, customizable, open-architecture AI agent framework intended to give individuals and businesses absolute control over their autonomous systems.
- Prompt Injection
- A cyber attack where a user maliciously formats their text to override an AI agent's original safety guidelines. Security skills like Prompt Guardian defend against this.
- Skill
- A modular piece of code or capability given to an OpenClaw agent. For example, a "Calendar Skill" gives the agent the ability to read and create Google Calendar events autonomously.
- Soul (SOUL.md)
- In OpenClaw, the SOUL file acts as the absolute defining system prompt. It dictates exactly who the agent is, its personality, its core beliefs, and its overarching objectives.
- Token
- The basic unit of data an LLM reads and generates. A token is roughly equivalent to a syllable or word fragment. APIs bill users based on token usage.
- Vector Database (RAG)
- A specialized database that converts human text into numbers (vectors), allowing an AI to instantly search thousands of documents to find relevant information before answering a question.
- Workspace
- The secure directory folder where your OpenClaw agent lives. It contains the agent's memory, tools, configuration files, and any outputs it generates over time.
ClawUniverse
Explore the full ClawUniverse ecosystem.