home-assistant.io/source/_data/glossary.yml

## Glossary
#
# Format is a list of terms, each term is a dictionary with the following keys:
# - term: The term to define (required)
# - definition: The definition of the term (required)
# - excerpt: Short excerpt of the definition, overrides definition for tooltips
#   (optional)
# - link: A URL to link to for more information (optional)
# - aliases: A list of aliases for the term (optional)
#
- term: Action
  definition: |-
    Actions are used in several places in Home Assistant. As part of a script or
    automation, actions define what is going to happen once a trigger is
    activated. In scripts, an action is called *sequence*. An action is a **software
    function that interacts with targets to make something happen**. Actions can use other actions
    and/or scenes to interact with entities and cause these entities to do
    something. Actions can also include conditions and a delay. An action can
    perform multiple actions at the same time. For example, if your presence is
    detected in a room, an action may perform one action to turn on a light and
    perform another action to start playing music after a delay. Actions are also
    used on the dashboard, for example as tap or hold action on a UI element.
    When triggered, the action performs another action. Home Assistant provides a series of predefined actions,
    such as `homeassistant.turn_on`, `homeassistant.toggle`, or
    `homeassistant.reload`.
  aliases:
    - actions
  link: /docs/automation/action/
  excerpt: >
    Actions are used in several places in Home Assistant. As part of a script or
    automation, actions define what is going to happen once a trigger is
    activated. In scripts, an action is called *sequence*.
- term: Add-on
  definition: >-
    Add-ons are additional standalone third-party software packages that can be
    installed on Home Assistant OS. Most of these, add-on provided, applications
    can be integrated into Home Assistant using integrations. Examples of
    add-ons are: an MQTT broker, database service or a file server.
  excerpt: >
    Add-ons are additional standalone third-party software packages that can be
    installed on Home Assistant OS.
- term: Area
  definition: >-
    An area in Home Assistant is a logical grouping of devices and entities that
    are meant to match areas (or rooms) in the physical world: your home. For
    example, the `living room` area groups devices and entities in your living
    room. Areas allow you to target actions at an entire group of devices.
    For example, turning off all the lights in the living room. Locations within
    your home such as living room, dance floor, etc. Areas can be assigned to
    floors. Areas can also be used for automatically generated cards, such as
    the [Area card](/dashboards/area/).
  excerpt: >-
    An area in Home Assistant is a logical grouping of devices and entities that
    are meant to match areas (or rooms) in the physical world: your home. For
    example, the `living room` area groups devices and entities in your living
    room.
  aliases:
    - areas
- term: Automation
  definition: >-
    Automations connect one or more triggers to one or more actions in a 'when
    trigger then do action' fashion with additional optional conditions. For
    example, an automation might connect the trigger 'sunset' to the action
    'turn the lights on' but only if the condition 'someone is home' is met.
    Pre-made automations for common use-cases are available via [the blueprints
    feature](/docs/automation/using_blueprints/).
  excerpt: >-
    Automations in Home Assistant allow you to automatically respond to things
    that happen in and around your home.
  link: /docs/automation/
  aliases:
    - automations
- term: Backup
  definition: >-
    Home Assistant has built-in functionality to create files containing a copy
    of your configuration. This can be used to restore your Home Assistant as
    well as migrate to a new system. The backup feature is available on some
    installation types.
  link: /integrations/backup/
  excerpt: >-
    Home Assistant has built-in functionality to create files containing a copy
    of your configurations. This is available on certain installation types.
  aliases:
    - backups
- term: Binary sensor
  definition: >-
    A binary sensor returns information about things that only have two states -
    such as on or off.
  link: /integrations/binary_sensor
  aliases:
    - binary_sensor
    - binary_sensors
- term: Blueprint
  definition: >-
    A blueprint is a script or automation configuration with certain parts
    marked as configurable. This allows users to create multiple scripts or
    automations based on the same blueprint, with each having its own
    configuration-specific settings. Blueprints are shared by the community on
    the [blueprints
    exchange](https://community.home-assistant.io/c/blueprints-exchange/53) in
    the forum.
  link: /docs/blueprint/
  excerpt: >-
    A blueprint is a script or automation configuration with certain parts
    marked as configurable. This allows users to create multiple scripts or
    automations based on the same blueprint, with each having its own
    configuration-specific settings.
  aliases:
    - blueprints
- term: Button
  definition: >-
    A button entity can fire an event, or trigger an action towards a device or
    service. It can be compared to a physical push button. The button entity does not have a state like `on` or `off`, but keeps the timestamp of when it was last pressed in the Home Assistant UI or via an action.
  link: /integrations/button
  aliases:
    - buttons
- term: Category
  definition: >-
    A category is an organization tool that allows grouping items in a table.
    Like labels, categories allow grouping irrespective of the items' physical
    location. For example, on the automations page, you can create the
    categories “Notifications” or “NFC tags” to view your automations grouped or
    filtered. Categories are unique for each table. The automations page can
    have different categories than the scene, scripts, or helpers settings page.
  aliases:
    - categories
- term: Climate
  definition: >-
    The Climate entity allows you to control and monitor HVAC (heating,
    ventilating, and air conditioning) devices and thermostats.
  link: /integrations/climate
  aliases:
    - climates
- term: Commissioning
  definition: >-
    In the context of Matter devices, *commissioning* is the process of adding a
    device to a Matter controller. It is the equivalent of pairing a device in
    Zigbee or Z-Wave. Commissioning is done by scanning a QR code or entering a
    code manually. The code is printed on the device or its packaging. The code
    contains information about the device, such as its type, manufacturer, and
    serial number. The controller uses this information to identify the device
    and to download the required information to control the device. For example,
    the controller downloads the device's capabilities, such as the supported
    commands and the available attributes. The controller also downloads the
    device's configuration, such as the device's name and location.
  link: /integrations/matter/
  aliases:
    - commission
  excerpt: >
    In the context of Matter devices, *commissioning* is the process of adding a
    device to a Matter controller. It is the equivalent of pairing a device in
    Zigbee or Z-Wave.
- term: Component
  definition: >-
    Better known as: Integrations. Integrations used to be known as components.
- term: Condition
  definition: >-
    Conditions are an optional part of an automation that will prevent an action
    from firing if they are not met.
  link: /docs/scripts/conditions/
  aliases:
    - conditions
- term: Configuration file
  aliases:
    - configuration.yaml
    - "`configuration.yaml`"
  definition: >-
    The configuration.yaml file is the main configuration file for Home Assistant. It lists the integrations to be loaded and their specific configurations. In some cases, the configuration needs to be edited manually directly in the configuration.yaml file. Most integrations can be configured in the UI.
  link: /docs/configuration/
- term: Cover
  definition: >-
    Covers are devices such as blinds, garage doors, etc that can be opened and
    closed and optionally set to a specific position.
  link: /integrations/cover
  aliases:
    - covers
- term: Custom integration
  definition: >-
    A custom integration is an integration that has been created by someone from the Home Assistant community and has been published for others to use at their own risk. Custom integrations are not supported by the Home Assistant project. They are not reviewed or tested by the Home Assistant development team and thus may negatively impact the stability of your Home Assistant instance. An example of a custom integration is the [Spook](https://spook.boo/) integration.
  aliases:
    - custom integrations
- term: Customize
  definition: >-
    Customization allows you to overwrite the default parameters of your devices
    in the configuration.
- term: Device
  definition: |-
    A device is a model representing a physical or logical unit that contains
    entities. **Example for a device as a physical unit** A smart plug named
    'Coffee machine' which provides 2 entities: a `switch` entity to turn power
    on or off ('Coffee machine power switch') and a `sensor` entity for power
    monitoring ('Coffee machine power sensor'). **Example for a device as a
    logical unit** An ecobee thermostat with 4 room sensors. This thermostat is
    seen as 5 devices in Home Assistant: 1 device for the thermostat with 4
    sensors, and 1 device for each room sensor. Each device can be in a
    different area and may have more than one input or output within that area.
    Devices have properties such as ID, manufacturer, name, model, hardware
    version, firmware version, connections, etc.
  excerpt: >
    A device is a model representing a physical or logical unit that contains
    entities.
  aliases:
    - devices
- term: Device tracker
  definition: >-
    Device trackers are used to track the presence, or location, of a device.
  link: /integrations/device_tracker
- term: Discovery
  definition: >
    Discovery is the automatic setup of zeroconf/mDNS and uPnP devices after
    they are discovered.
- term: Domain
  definition: >-
    Each integration in Home Assistant has a unique identifier: a domain. All of
    the entities and actions available in Home Assistant are provided by
    integrations and thus belong to such a domain. The first part of the entity
    or action, before the `.` shows the domain they belong to. For example
    `light.kitchen` is an entity in the `light` domain from the [light
    integration](/integrations/light), while `hue.activate_scene` is the
    `activate_scene` action for the `hue` domain which belongs to the [Hue
    integration](/integrations/hue).
  excerpt: >
    Each integration in Home Assistant has a unique identifier: The domain. It
    is often shown as the first part (before the dot) of entity IDs.
  aliases:
    - domains
- term: Entity
  definition: |-
    An entity represents a sensor, actor, or function in Home Assistant.
    Entities are used to monitor physical properties or to control other
    entities. An entity is usually part of a device or a service. Entities have
    states. **Example for entities as part of a device** A combined temperature
    and humidity sensor device provides two sensor entities. One for temperature
    (e.g. `sensor.temperature` with state `21.0` and unit `°C`) and one for
    humidity (e.g. `sensor.humidity` with state `65.4` and unit `%`). **Example
    for entities as part of a service** A weather service that provides 3
    entities: wind speed, air pressure, and ozon level. **Example of an entity
    used for control** A fan that is turned on when the temperature exceeds
    30 °C. There are standardized types of entities for common integrations
    such as light, switch, camera, sensor, fan, or vacuum. Some entities are not
    part of a device or service. Examples of standalone entities are automation,
    script, scene entities, and helper entities (e.g. input helpers). Most
    properties of entities are related to the state. Entities have optional
    attributes such as friendly name, unit of measurement, and an icon or
    picture that can be displayed in the frontend.
  link: /docs/configuration/entities_domains/
  excerpt: >
    An entity represents a sensor, actor, or function in Home Assistant.
    Entities are used to monitor physical properties or to control other
    entities. An entity is usually part of a device or a service.
  aliases:
    - entities
- term: Event
  definition: >-
    Every time something happens in Home Assistant, an event is fired. There are different types of events, such as state change events, when an action was triggered, or the time changed. All entities produce state change events. Every time a state changes, a state change event is produced. Events can be used to trigger automations or scripts. For example, you can trigger an automation when a light is turned on, then a speaker turns on in that room. Events can also be used to trigger actions in the frontend. For example, you can trigger an action when a button is pressed.
  link: /docs/configuration/events/
  aliases:
    - events
- term: Floor
  definition: >-
    A floor in Home Assistant is a logical grouping of areas that are meant to
    match the physical floors in your home. Devices & entities are not assigned
    to floors but to areas. A floor has properties such as: Floor ID, name,
    aliases (for use in assistants), an icon, and a floor level. Some of these
    properties are optional. The level number can be negative to reflect floors
    below the basement. Floors can be used in automations and scripts as a
    target for actions. For example, to turn off all the lights on the
    downstairs floor when you go to bed.
  excerpt: >-
    A floor in Home Assistant is a logical grouping of areas that are meant to
    match the physical floors in your home. Devices & entities are not assigned
    to floors but to areas. Floors can be used in automations and scripts as a
    target for actions. For example, to turn off all the lights on the
    downstairs floor when you go to bed.
  aliases:
    - floors
- term: Frontend
  definition: >-
    The frontend is a necessary component for the UI, it is also where you can
    define your themes.
  link: /integrations/frontend/
- term: Group
  definition: >-
    Groups are a way to organize your entities into a single unit.
  link: /integrations/group/
  aliases:
    - groups
- term: HASS
  definition: >-
    HASS or [hass](/docs/tools/hass/) is often used as an abbreviation for Home
    Assistant. It is also the command-line tool.
- term: HassOS
  definition: >-
    Another name for Home Assistant Operating System
  link: /hassio/installation/
- term: Home Assistant Container
  definition: >-
    Home Assistant Container is a standalone container-based installation of
    Home Assistant Core. Any [OCI](https://opencontainers.org/) compatible
    runtime can be used, but the documentation focus is on Docker.
  link: /installation/#advanced-installation-methods
- term: Home Assistant Core
  definition: >-
    Home Assistant Core is the Python program at the heart of Home Assistant. It
    is part of all of the four installation types and can be run on various
    operating systems. It can be installed standalone (without Home Assistant
    Supervisor), using a Virtual Environment (typically referred to as Home
    Assistant Core installation method) or as a container using Docker
    (typically referred to as Home Assistant Container installation method).
  link: /installation/#advanced-installation-methods
  excerpt: >
    Home Assistant Core is the heart of Home Assistant itself. It is a Python
    program that powers every installation type, but can be installed
    standalone.
- term: Home Assistant Supervised
  definition: >-
    Home Assistant Supervised is a full UI managed home automation ecosystem
    that runs the Home Assistant Core program, the Home Assistant Supervisor and
    add-ons. It comes pre-installed on Home Assistant OS, but can be installed
    standalone on Debian Linux systems. It leverages Docker, which is managed by
    the Home Assistant Supervisor.
  excerpt: >
    Home Assistant Supervised is the full Home Assistant ecosystem, without the
    Home Assistant Operating System.
  link: /installation/#advanced-installation-methods
- term: Home Assistant Supervisor
  definition: >-
    The Home Assistant Supervisor is a program that manages a Home Assistant
    installation, taking care of installing and updating Home Assistant,
    add-ons, itself, and, if used, updating the Home Assistant Operating System.
  link: /installation/#advanced-installation-methods
- term: Home Assistant Operating System
  definition: >-
    Home Assistant OS, the Home Assistant Operating System, is an embedded,
    minimalistic, operating system designed to run the Home Assistant ecosystem
    on single board computers (like the Raspberry Pi) or Virtual Machines. It
    includes Home Assistant Core, the Home Assistant Supervisor, and supports
    add-ons. Home Assistant Supervisor keeps it up to date, removing the need
    for you to manage an operating system. Home Assistant Operating System is
    the recommended installation method for most users.
  excerpt: >
    Home Assistant OS, the Home Assistant Operating System, is an embedded,
    minimalistic, operating system designed to run the Home Assistant ecosystem.
    It is the recommended installation method for most users.
  link: /installation/#advanced-installation-methods
- term: Host
  definition: >-
    A device that can communicate with other devices on a network. During setup
    and configuration, an input requesting a **Host** typically refers to a
    device's network address so that Home Assistant can attempt to connect to
    it. This may be in the form of a hostname, URL, IP address or some other
    type of network identifier. If you do not know the hostname or IP address of
    a device, you can find it in your router's webinterface. For example, if
    your device is connected wirelessly, somewhere there is a page listing all
    the devices that are connected to your network. It depends on your router,
    where exactly this page is. It could be under **Network** > **Wireless**.
  excerpt: >-
    A device that participates in your network. If asked for the host, enter
    either the device's IP address or host name. If you don't know those, check
    the list of hosts in your router.
  link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Host_(network)
  aliases:
    - hosts
- term: Integration
  definition: >-
    Integrations connect and integrate Home Assistant with devices, services,
    and more. They contain all the logic to handle vendor- and device-specific
    implementations, such as authentication or specific protocols. The
    integration brings such device-specific elements into Home Assistant in a
    standardized way. For example, the [Hue](/integrations/hue) integration
    integrates the Philips Hue bridge and its connected bulbs into Home
    Assistant, making them available as Home Assistant light entities you can
    control.
  excerpt: >
    Integrations connect and integrate Home Assistant with your devices,
    services, and more.
  link: /getting-started/concepts-terminology/#integrations
  aliases:
    - integrations
- term: Intent
  definition: >-
    Intent is a term used with voice assistants. The intent is what Home
    Assistant thinks you want it to do when it extracts a command from your
    voice or text utterance. Currently, the following intents are supported out
    of the box: HassTurnOn, HassTurnOff, HassGetState, and HassLightSet. These
    intents allow you to turn things on or off, inquire about a state, or change
    the brightness or color of a light.
  excerpt: >
    Intent is a term used with voice assistants. The intent is what Home
    Assistant thinks you want it to do when it extracts a command from your
    voice or text utterance.
  link: https://developers.home-assistant.io/docs/intent_builtin
  aliases:
    - Intents
- term: Label
  definition: >-
    Labels in Home Assistant allow grouping elements irrespective of their
    physical location or type. Labels can be assigned to areas, devices,
    entities, automations, scenes, scripts, and helpers. Labels can be used in
    automations and scripts as a target for actions. Labels can
    also be used to filter data. For example, you can filter the list of devices
    to show only devices with the label `heavy energy usage` or turn these
    devices off when there is not a lot of solar energy available.
  excerpt: >-
    Labels in Home Assistant allow grouping elements irrespective of their
    physical location or type. Labels can be assigned to areas, devices,
    entities, automations, scenes, scripts, and helpers. Labels can be used in
    automations and scripts as a target for actions. Labels can
    also be used to filter data.
  aliases:
    - labels
- term: Lovelace
  definition: >-
    Lovelace is the original code name of the UI that is now known as [Home
    Assistant dashboards](/dashboards).
- term: Light
  definition: >-
    A light has a brightness you can control, and optionally color temperature
    or RGB color control.
  link: /integrations/light
  aliases:
    - lights
- term: Matter
  definition: >-
    Matter is an open-source standard that defines how to control smart home
    devices on a Wi-Fi or Thread network. The aim of the standard is to improve
    security and to make devices interoperable across vendors, replacing
    proprietary protocols for smart home ecosystems. Unlike other standards,
    Matter allows joining the same device to multiple controllers. For example,
    you can add a light to Google Home, Apple Home, and Home Assistant at the
    same time. A bridge device can be used to connect devices running on other
    smart home technologies such as Zigbee or Z-Wave.
  excerpt: >
    Matter is an open-source standard that defines how to control smart home
    devices on a Wi-Fi or Thread network.
  link: /integrations/matter
- term: Notification
  definition: >-
    You can use notifications to send messages, pictures, and more, to devices.
  link: /integrations/#notifications
  aliases:
    - notifications
- term: Package
  definition: >
    Packages allow you to bundle different component configurations together.
  link: /docs/configuration/packages/
  aliases:
    - packages
- term: Platform
  definition: >-
    Platforms are building blocks provided by some integrations to be used by
    other integrations. For example, the [Light](/integrations/light)
    integration provides the `light platform` that is utilized by all
    integrations providing `light` entities such as e.g.
    [Hue](/integrations/hue).
  excerpt: >
    Platforms are building blocks provided by some integrations to be used by
    other integrations.
  link: /docs/configuration/platform_options/
  aliases:
    - platforms
- term: Polling
  definition: >-
    Data polling is the process of querying a device or service at regular intervals to check for updates or retrieve data. By defining a custom polling interval, you can control how frequently your system checks for new data, which can help optimize performance and reduce unnecessary network traffic.
  link: /common-tasks/general/#defining-a-custom-polling-interval
  aliases:
    - data polling
- term: Reload
  definition: >-
    Applies the changes made to the Home Assistant configuration files. Changes
    are normally automatically updated. However, changes made outside of the
    front end will not be reflected in Home Assistant and require a reload. To
    perform a manual reload, go to **Settings** > **System** > **Restart Home
    Assistant** (top right) > **Quick reload**. If you do not see the **Quick
    reload** option in the menu, you need to enable **Advanced mode** in your
    user settings. More granular reload options are available in *YAML
    configuration reloading* section in **Developer tools** > **YAML**.
  excerpt: >
    Applies the changes made to Home Assistant configuration files. Changes are
    normally automatically updated. However, changes made outside of the front
    end will not be reflected in Home Assistant and require a reload.
- term: Scene
  definition: >-
    Scenes capture the states you want certain entities to be. For example, a
    scene can specify that light A should be turned on and light B should be
    bright red.
  link: /integrations/scene/
  aliases:
    - scenes

- term: Script
  definition: >
    Scripts are components that allow users to specify a sequence of actions to
    be executed by Home Assistant when turned on.
  link: /docs/scripts/
  aliases:
    - scripts
- term: Sensor
  definition: >-
    Sensors return information about a thing, for instance the level of water in
    a tank.
  link: /integrations/sensor/
  aliases:
    - sensors
- term: Selector
  definition: >-
    Selectors are components for the user interface. Some selectors can, for
    example, show a toggle button to turn something on or off, while another
    select can filter a list of devices to show only devices that have
    motion-sensing capabilities.
  excerpt: >
    Selectors are components for the user interface. Like toggle, dropdown, and
    more.
  link: /docs/blueprint/selectors/
  aliases:
    - selectors
- term: Service
  definition: |-
    The term "service" in Home Assistant is used in the sense of an **information
    service**. For example, the municipal waste management service that provides
    entities for organic, paper, and packaging waste. In terms of functionality,
    the information service is like a device. It is called *service* to avoid
    confusion, as it does not come with a piece of hardware.
  link: /docs/scripts/perform-actions/
  aliases:
    - services
- term: State
  definition: |-
    The state holds the information of interest of an entity. For example, if a
    light is on or off, the current temperature, or the amount of energy used. Entities store 3
    timestamps related to the state: `last_updated`, `last_changed`, and `last_reported`. Each
    entity has exactly one state and the state only holds one value at a time.
    However, entities can store attributes related to that state. For example,
    the state of a light is _on_, and the related state attributes could be its
    current brightness and color values. State change events can be used as triggers.
    The current state can be used in conditions.

  link: /docs/configuration/state_object/
  aliases:
    - states
  excerpt: >
    The state holds the information of interest of an entity, for example, if a
    light is on or off. Each entity has exactly one state and the state only
    holds one value at a time. However, entities can store attributes related to
    that state such as brightness, color, or a unit of measurement.
- term: Switch
  definition: >-
    Switches are things that have two states you can select between, such as
    turning on or off a socket.
  link: /integrations/switch/
- term: Template
  definition: >-
    A template is an automation definition that can include variables for the
    action or data from the trigger values. This allows automations to generate
    dynamic actions.
  link: /docs/automation/templating/
  aliases:
    - templates

- term: Thread
  definition: >-
    Thread is a low-power mesh networking standard that is specifically designed
    for smart home applications. It is a protocol that defines how devices
    communicate. *Mesh* topology means that the devices can communicate with
    each other directly, without going through a central controller first.
    Thread uses the same radio frequency (RF) technology as Zigbee, but provides
    IP connectivity similar to Wi-Fi. Unlike Zigbee, Thread does not specify how
    to control devices. How Thread-enabled devices are controlled is specified
    in a higher level protocol such as HomeKit or Matter.
  link: /integrations/thread/
  excerpt: >
    Thread is a low-power mesh networking standard that is specifically designed
    for smart home applications. It is a protocol that defines how devices
    communicate.
- term: Thread border router
  definition: >-
    A Thread border router forwards data packets between your local network and
    the Thread network. This enables smart home devices within a Thread network
    to communicate with IPv6-capable devices in your local network. A Thread
    border router is connected to your network either via Wi-Fi or Ethernet and
    uses its radio frequency (RF) radio to communicate with the Thread mesh
    network. In case of Matter, the data that is forwarded is encrypted.
    Examples of Thread border routers are the Nest Hub (2nd gen), the HomePod
    mini, and the Home Assistant Connect ZBT-1 together with the OpenThread Border
    Router add-on.
  link: /integrations/thread/#about-thread-border-routers
  aliases:
    - Thread border routers
- term: Trigger
  definition: >-
    A trigger is a set of values or conditions of a platform that are defined to
    cause an automation to run.
  link: /docs/automation/trigger/
  aliases:
    - triggers

- term: TTS
  definition: >-
    TTS (text-to-speech) allows Home Assistant to talk to you.
  link: /integrations/tts/

- term: Valve
  definition: >-
    Valves are devices to control the flow of liquids and gases. All valves in
    Home Assistant can be opened and closed. Some valves can also be set to a
    specific position.
  link: /integrations/valve

- term: Variables
  definition: >-
    Variables are used to store values in memory that can be processed for
    example, in a script.
  link: /docs/scripts/#variables
- term: YAML
  definition: >-
    YAML is a human-readable data serialization language. It is used to store and transmit data in a structured format. In Home Assistant, YAML is used for configuration, for example in the `configuration.yaml` or `automations.yaml` files.
  link: /docs/configuration/yaml/
- term: Zone
  definition: >-
    Zones allow you to specify certain regions on a map. They enable zone presence-detection and can be used in automations. For example, to start the vacuum after you left home or start the heating at home when you leave the office.
  link: /integrations/zone/
  aliases:
    - zones