Key terminology
Certain terminology is used to discuss keys.
- resource
- For the purposes of keys and key resolution, one of the following:- An object addressed by URI
- Metadata specified on a resource, such as a @scopeor@formatattribute
- Text or metadata located within a <topicmeta>element
 
- key
- A name for a resource. See Using keys for addressing for more information.
- key definition
- A <topicref>element that binds one or more key names to zero or more resources.
- key reference
- An attribute that references a key, such as @keyrefor@conkeyref.
- key space
- A list of key definitions that are used to resolve key references.
- effective key definition
- The definition for a key within a key space that is used to resolve references to that key. A key might have multiple definitions within a key space, but only one of those definitions is effective.
- key scope
- A map or section of a map that defines its own key space and serves as the resolution context for its key references.