Glossary
A reference guide for key terms, concepts, and acronyms used throughout Andamio documentation.
Andamio Glossary
A reference guide for key terms, concepts, and acronyms used throughout Andamio documentation.
Andamio Ecosystem Overview
Andamio Protocol
Smart contracts on Cardano that enable decentralized identity (SSOI), credential management, and global coordination of local work. Defines how Access Tokens, Global State, and Local States interact for skills verification and contribution tracking. Version 2 is permissionless and open for integration.
Andamio API
RESTful Transaction API that abstracts blockchain complexity for interacting with the Andamio Protocol. Handles transaction building, signing, and submission, enabling developers to integrate without deep blockchain knowledge. Supports Access Token operations, SSOI updates, Local State management, and query endpoints.
Andamio App
Open-source Next.js reference application demonstrating full protocol integration via the Andamio API. Provides interfaces for managing SSoIs, participating in Courses, contributing to Projects, and viewing trust relationships. Organizations can build custom applications using the API or SDK.
Andamio Network
The ecosystem of organizations, applications, and users interacting through the Andamio Protocol. Includes all Local State instances, Access Token holders with SSoIs, and trust relationships formed when organizations recognize each other's credentials.
Core Protocol Concepts
Access Token (Andamio Access Token)
Primary authentication mechanism using CIP68 standard. Each user has a token pair: 222 token (in wallet as proof of ownership) and 100 token (at Global State Validator containing SSOI data). Enables portable identity, credentials, and reputation across applications via a unique alias.
Self-Sovereign On-chain Identity (SSOI)
Decentralized identity framework enabling portable, self-controlled records of participation, achievements, and credentials across Andamio organizations. Uses CIP68 with 222 token (wallet ownership) and 100 token (data at Global State). Stores minimal on-chain data: alias and PolicyId → Hash pairs for local state participation. Detailed credentials live off-chain with on-chain hashes ensuring integrity. Organizations can recognize other organizations' credentials, creating a trust network. Only the 222 token holder can authorize identity updates.
Credentials
Cryptographically verified attestations of skills, achievements, or qualifications issued through the protocol and attached to a user's SSOI. On-chain verifiable, portable across platforms, and irrevocable once earned. Organizations can recognize other organizations' credentials as prerequisites, enabling permissionless trust networks.
Local State
Implementations of specific work scopes (courses, projects, future types) containing granular data and business logic. Each System (Course, Project) can have multiple Instances owned by Access Token Holders. Owners manage requirements and approvals; data represents work scope. Local states report to Global State as policy ID + hash pairs. Enables custom validator types while maintaining protocol interoperability through standardized SSOI format.
Instance Ownership
On-chain ownership of a specific Local State instance by a single Access Token holder with sole administrative control. Uses parameterized validators to create distinct instances from the same base code. Owner sets requirements, approves completions, and manages participants. One Access Token can own multiple instances. Ownership is instance-specific and currently non-transferable.
Global State
Protocol-level registry and index for all local states. Holds all users' 100 tokens (SSOI data) at a single validator address; users own via 222 tokens. Stores local state participation as policy ID + hash pairs. Instance Registry tracks authorized Local States that can write to SSoIs, preventing identity pollution. Creates trusted network where credentials come from registered sources.
Validators
Smart contracts enforcing protocol rules. Includes Global State Validators (protocol-wide) and Local State Validators (instance-specific).
Contributors
Access Token Holders participating in Local States. Called "students" in Courses, "contributors" in Projects. Earn Credentials from Courses (used as prerequisites for Projects). In Projects, commit to tasks defined by Project Creators and earn rewards upon completion.
Student
Contributor participating in a Course Local State. Earns Credentials by completing course requirements, used as prerequisites for Project access. Protocol treats Students and Contributors identically—both are Access Token Holders.
Project Creator
Instance-specific role for Access Token Holders in Project Local States. Initial Project Creator is assigned at instance creation and can add additional Project Creators. Manage treasury, approve commitments, and define task requirements within their specific instance. Can also participate as Contributors.
Project
Local State type with multiple on-chain validators (treasury, escrow). Coordinates work, manages funds, and tracks contributions through multi-validator architecture.
Project Treasury
On-chain validator holding project funds and tracking approved work. Locks funds into escrow validators when contributors commit to tasks, enabling transparent management and automated disbursements.
Prerequisites (Prereqs)
Role-specific requirements contributors must meet to participate in project activities. Each role has its own escrow validator for managing commitments and rewards.
Escrow Validator
Smart contract locking tasks and rewards from Project Treasury when contributors commit to work. Each prerequisite set has its own escrow validator, ensuring payment upon completion.
Technical Architecture
Protocol V2
Second major version of Andamio Protocol smart contracts, currently in audit. Improvements in scalability, security, and features.
Transaction API (Tx API)
RESTful API enabling protocol interaction without deep blockchain knowledge. Handles transaction building, signing, and submission.
Transaction Sponsorship (Tx Sponsorship)
Feature allowing organizations to pay blockchain transaction fees on behalf of users, removing Web3 adoption barriers.
Service Fees
Protocol fees charged for certain operations, creating sustainable revenue for Andamio Inc.
SDK (Software Development Kit)
Pre-built libraries (JavaScript, Python, Go, Rust) for simple Andamio integration. Target: days, not months.
Acronyms & Abbreviations
- API: Application Programming Interface
- SDK: Software Development Kit
- SSOI: Self-Sovereign On-chain Identity
- TVL: Total Value Locked
- RBAC: Role-Based Access Control
- DAO: Decentralized Autonomous Organization
- CIP: Cardano Improvement Proposal
- CF: Cardano Foundation
This glossary is a living document. Terms are added and refined as the Andamio ecosystem evolves.