AI glossary

Clear definitions of AI terms used across Empacer guides.

AI agent: An AI agent is software that uses an AI model to carry out a task in several steps, such as reading messages, using tools, and taking actions, instead of only answering a single question.
API: An API (application programming interface) is a defined way for one piece of software to request data or actions from another. AI companies offer APIs so developers can build their models into other products.
Chain of thought: Chain of thought is the step-by-step reasoning a model writes out before giving an answer. Researchers read it to understand how a model reached a result and to spot unwanted behavior.
Computer use: Computer use is the ability of an AI model to operate ordinary software the way a person does: reading the screen, clicking, typing, and moving between applications to finish a task.
Contribution: Contribution is what is left from the selling price of one unit after subtracting its variable costs. That amount goes toward covering fixed costs and, after that, profit.
Fixed costs: Fixed costs are business costs that stay roughly the same regardless of how many units you sell in a period, such as rent, software subscriptions, or insurance.
Large language model: A large language model (LLM) is an AI model trained on large amounts of text to understand and generate language. It powers chat assistants, writing tools, and AI agents.
Open source: Open source software has public source code that anyone can read, use, and modify under the terms of its license. Many AI tools and agent frameworks are released this way.
Sandboxing: Sandboxing runs software in a restricted environment so it can only reach the files, accounts, and systems it has been allowed to use. It limits the damage if something goes wrong.
Variable cost: A variable cost is a cost that rises or falls with each unit you make or sell, such as ingredients, packaging, and payment fees.