MainWP Terminology Glossary

This glossary defines the key terms used throughout the MainWP documentation to ensure consistency and clarity.

Core Concepts

Add-on

The umbrella term for all plugins that extend MainWP's functionality, including both extensions and integrations.

Extension

A type of add-on that works WITHOUT requiring a third-party plugin or API. Extensions add standalone functionality to MainWP.

Integration

A type of add-on that works WITH a third-party plugin or API. Integrations connect MainWP with external services or plugins.

Dashboard

The MainWP Dashboard plugin installed on a single WordPress site that manages multiple child sites.

Child Site

A WordPress site that is managed by a MainWP Dashboard. Child sites have the MainWP Child plugin installed.

Child Plugin

The MainWP Child plugin that is installed on sites to be managed by a MainWP Dashboard.

Connection

The secure link established between a MainWP Dashboard and a child site.

Development Concepts

Hook

A WordPress concept that allows code to be injected at specific points in the execution flow. Includes both actions and filters.

Action

A type of hook that allows you to execute custom code at specific points in the execution flow.

Filter

A type of hook that allows you to modify data at specific points in the execution flow.

API

Application Programming Interface. In MainWP, this can refer to:

1. The MainWP API for communication between Dashboard and Child sites
2. Third-party APIs that integrations connect with

Callback

A function that is passed as an argument to another function and is executed at a specific time or in response to a specific event.

Extension API

The interface that MainWP provides for extensions to register themselves and interact with the MainWP Dashboard.

MainWP API Client

A PHP library that simplifies communication with the MainWP API.

User Interface Terms

Admin Page

A page in the WordPress admin area that is added by a MainWP extension or integration.

Dashboard Widget

A widget that appears on the MainWP Dashboard overview page, providing quick access to information or functionality.

Settings Page

A page where users can configure options for a MainWP extension or integration.

Overview Page

The main page of the MainWP Dashboard that displays summary information about child sites.

Individual Dashboard

A feature that allows users to create custom dashboards with specific widgets and information.

Data Management Terms

Sync

The process of updating information between the MainWP Dashboard and child sites.

Backup

A copy of a child site's files and/or database that can be used for restoration.

Restore

The process of reverting a child site to a previous state using a backup.

Update

The process of upgrading WordPress core, plugins, or themes on child sites.

Bulk Update

Updating multiple sites, plugins, or themes simultaneously.

Security Terms

Connection Key

A unique identifier used to establish a secure connection between the MainWP Dashboard and a child site.

OpenSSL

A cryptographic library used by MainWP for secure communication between the Dashboard and child sites.

Capability

A WordPress permission that determines what actions a user can perform.

Authentication

The process of verifying the identity of a user or system.

Authorization

The process of determining whether an authenticated user or system has permission to perform a specific action.

Technical Terms

Transient

A WordPress feature for temporarily storing cached data with an expiration time.

REST API

A way of providing API access using HTTP methods and JSON data format.

Webhook

A user-defined HTTP callback that is triggered by a specific event.

Cron Job

A scheduled task that runs automatically at specified intervals.

Background Process

A task that runs in the background without blocking the user interface.

MainWP-Specific Features

Extension Page

The page in the MainWP Dashboard where extensions are listed and can be activated or deactivated.

Site Group

A way to organize child sites into logical groups for easier management.

Tag

A label that can be applied to child sites for filtering and organization.

Client Report

A customizable report that can be generated for clients showing work performed on their sites.

Uptime Monitoring

A feature that checks if child sites are accessible and functioning properly.

Site Health

A feature that checks the health and performance of child sites.

Third-Party Integration Terms

API Key

A unique identifier used to authenticate with a third-party API.

OAuth

An open standard for access delegation, commonly used for secure API authentication.

Webhook

A mechanism for a third-party service to notify MainWP when certain events occur.

Rate Limit

A restriction on the number of API requests that can be made within a certain time period.

Endpoint

A specific URL in a third-party API that accepts requests and returns responses.