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Glossary of Terms
Glossary of Terms

A-Z Glossary of Terms for PassKit

Paul Tomes avatar
Written by Paul Tomes
Updated this week

This Glossary of Terms is designed to provide clear definitions of the terminology used throughout PassKit. We are committed to maintaining a comprehensive and evolving resource. If you find a term that requires clarification or is missing, please reach out to us at support@passkit.com. Your feedback will help us improve this glossary for everyone.


A

API (Application Programming Interface)

A set of protocols and tools that allow different software applications to communicate with each other. PassKit provides APIs to integrate digital passes into apps, websites, and other systems.

API Key

A unique code used to authenticate API requests. PassKit provides API keys to developers for secure integration with the platform.

Apple Wallet

A digital wallet app on Apple devices (iPhone, Apple Watch) that stores and organizes digital passes such as boarding passes, event tickets, loyalty cards, and coupons.

Associated App

An app linked to a digital pass, allowing users to access additional features or information. For example, a loyalty pass might link to a brand's app for more details.

Authentication

The process of verifying a user's identity, often through a username, password, or multi-factor authentication (MFA). PassKit ensures secure authentication for account access.

Authentication Token

A secure token used to authenticate API requests or user access to digital passes. Examples include JSON Web Tokens (JWT) and OAuth tokens.

Authorization

The process of granting or restricting access to specific features or data within the PassKit platform.


B

Backend

The server-side infrastructure that powers the creation, management, and distribution of digital passes. PassKit's backend is designed for scalability and reliability.

Barcode

A machine-readable code used in digital passes for quick scanning. PassKit supports various barcode formats, including QR codes, PDF417, and Aztec.

Beacon

A Bluetooth device that triggers location-based actions or notifications for digital passes when a user is nearby.

Branding

The visual identity of a business, including logos, colors, and fonts. PassKit allows businesses to customize digital passes to match their branding.


C

Campaign

A coordinated effort to create and distribute digital passes for a specific purpose, such as a marketing promotion or event.

Certificate

A digital file used to sign and secure digital passes. PassKit requires certificates to ensure the authenticity of passes.

Coupon Pass

A digital pass that offers discounts, promotions, or special deals to customers.

Creating a Pass

The process of designing and generating a digital pass using PassKit's tools or APIs. This includes defining fields, branding, and behavior.

CRM Integration

The process of connecting PassKit with a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to deliver personalized digital passes and track user interactions.

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)

A language used to style the appearance of digital passes. PassKit allows businesses to customize pass designs using CSS.


D

Dashboard

A centralized interface where users can manage their digital passes, view analytics, and access tools. PassKit's dashboard is designed for ease of use and efficiency.

Data Collection Page

A web page designed to collect user information, such as name, email, or preferences. PassKit can integrate data collection pages into the pass issuance process.

Debugging

The process of identifying and resolving issues or errors in the creation, distribution, or functionality of digital passes.

Deep Link

A URL that directs users to a specific location within an app or website. PassKit uses deep links to streamline the process of downloading or accessing digital passes.

Device Registration

The process of linking a user's device to a digital pass, enabling real-time updates and notifications.

Digital Pass

A virtual representation of a physical pass, such as a loyalty card, ticket, or coupon. Digital passes are stored in mobile wallets like Apple Wallet or Google Wallet.

Distributing a Pass

The process of delivering a digital pass to users, often via email, SMS, or a website link.

Dynamic Pass

A digital pass that can be updated in real-time with new information, such as changing balances or event details.


E

Enrollment

The process of signing up or registering for a program, service, or digital pass. PassKit supports enrollment through forms, APIs, or integrations with other systems.

Enrollment Form

A web form used to collect user information during the enrollment process. PassKit allows businesses to customize enrollment forms to gather specific data.

Event Ticket Pass

A digital pass used for event entry, containing details like event name, date, time, and venue.

Expiration Date

The date when a digital pass becomes invalid. PassKit allows businesses to set expiration dates for passes.


F

Field

A data element within a digital pass, such as a customer name, balance, or expiration date. PassKit allows businesses to customize fields for different pass types.

Fulfillment

The process of delivering a digital pass to a user, often via email, SMS, or a website link.


G

Geolocation

The use of GPS or other location-based technologies to trigger actions or notifications for digital passes.

Google Wallet

The digital wallet app on Android devices that stores and organizes digital passes, such as loyalty cards, event tickets, boarding passes, and more.

Google Pay

A service primarily focused on enabling payments using credit/debit cards, bank accounts, or other payment methods. It is integrated with Google Wallet but specifically handles transactions rather than storing digital passes.

gRPC

A high-performance, open-source framework for remote procedure calls (RPC). PassKit may use gRPC for efficient communication between services.

Group Pass

A digital pass that can be shared among multiple users, such as a family ticket or group membership.


H

Header

The top section of a digital pass, often used to display a logo or title.

Hero Image

A large, prominent image used at the top of a webpage or digital pass to capture attention and convey a brand's message or identity.

HTTP/HTTPS

Protocols used for transmitting data over the internet. PassKit uses HTTPS to ensure secure communication.


I

Icon

A small graphic or symbol used to represent a feature, category, or action. In PassKit, icons may be used on digital passes or in the dashboard interface.

Integration

The process of connecting PassKit with other systems, such as CRMs, POS systems, or mobile apps.

Invalidating a Pass

The process of revoking or deactivating a digital pass, rendering it unusable. PassKit allows businesses to invalidate passes for security or expiration purposes.

Issuing a Pass

The process of creating and distributing a digital pass to a user. This includes designing the pass, assigning data, and delivering it via a distribution link or API.

Issuer

The organization or business that creates and distributes digital passes.


J

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation)

A lightweight data format used to structure data for digital passes. PassKit uses JSON to define pass content and behavior.

JSON Web Token (JWT)

A secure token format used for authentication and authorization. PassKit may use JWTs to validate API requests or user access.


K

Key

A unique identifier or code used to authenticate and secure digital passes.


L

Location-Based Notification

A notification triggered when a user enters or exits a specific geographic area. PassKit supports location-based notifications for digital passes.

Logo

A visual representation of a brand, typically displayed on digital passes, websites, and emails. PassKit supports logo customization to maintain brand consistency.

Loyalty Pass

A digital pass used for loyalty programs, allowing customers to earn and redeem points or rewards.


M

Membership Pass

A digital pass that grants access to exclusive benefits, such as gym memberships or club access.

Mobile Wallet

A digital wallet app on a smartphone that stores digital passes, payment methods, and other virtual items.


N

NFC (Near Field Communication)

A technology that allows devices to communicate wirelessly over short distances. PassKit supports NFC for contactless interactions.

Notification

A message sent to a user's device to provide updates or reminders related to a digital pass.


O

OAuth

An authentication protocol used to securely authorize access to PassKit APIs and services.

Offline Mode

The ability for digital passes to function without an internet connection, such as displaying a barcode or NFC data.


P

Pass Distribution Link

A unique URL used to distribute a digital pass to users. This link can be shared via email, SMS, or social media.

Pass Enrollment Link

A unique URL used to direct users to an enrollment form or page where they can sign up for a digital pass.

Pass ID

A unique identifier assigned to each digital pass for tracking and management purposes.

Pass Template

A pre-designed layout for a digital pass that can be customized with specific content and branding.

Pass Type Identifier

A unique identifier for a specific type of pass (e.g., loyalty, coupon, event ticket). It is used to differentiate pass types in Apple Wallet.

Pass URL

A web address associated with a digital pass, often used for updates, redemption, or additional information.

PKCS#7

A cryptographic standard used to sign and encrypt digital passes. PassKit uses PKCS#7 to ensure the security and authenticity of passes.

PKPass

The file format used for digital passes in Apple Wallet. PassKit generates .pkpass files for distribution.

Profile Image

A user's personal image or avatar, often displayed in their account or on their digital pass.

Push Notification

A real-time message sent to a user's device to update or notify them about changes to a digital pass.


Q

QR Code

A type of barcode that can be scanned by smartphones to access information or trigger actions.


R

Real-Time Updates

The ability to update a digital pass with new information, such as changing balances or event details, in real-time.

Redeem

The process of using a digital pass, such as a coupon or loyalty reward, to claim a benefit.

Relevant Date/Time

The date and time associated with a specific event or action in a digital pass, such as an event start time or coupon expiration.


S

Sandbox

A testing environment provided by PassKit for developers to test digital passes and integrations before going live.

Security Certificate

A digital file used to authenticate and secure digital passes.

Serial Number

A unique identifier for each digital pass, used to track and manage individual passes.

SmartPass Links

A feature in PassKit that allows businesses to create dynamic links for distributing and managing digital passes.


T

Team Member

A user who is part of an organization's team on PassKit. Team members may have different levels of access and permissions depending on their role.

Token

A secure identifier used to authenticate API requests or user access to digital passes.

Two Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security process that requires users to provide two different authentication factors to verify their identity. Essentially, it adds an extra layer of security beyond just a username and password.


U

Update Frequency

The rate at which a digital pass is updated with new information. PassKit supports real-time or scheduled updates for dynamic passes.

Username

A unique identifier chosen by a user to log in to their account. In PassKit, usernames are used to access the dashboard or other platform features.

User

The individual who receives and uses a digital pass.


V

Validation

The process of verifying the authenticity and integrity of a digital pass.

Validity Period

The time frame during which a digital pass is valid and can be used. PassKit allows businesses to set start and end dates for passes.

Versioning

The practice of maintaining different versions of a digital pass template or API for compatibility and updates.


W

Webhook

A mechanism for sending real-time notifications from PassKit to external systems when specific events occur.

Welcome Email

An automated email sent to new users or customers when they sign up for a service or join a program.

Wallet

A digital wallet app that stores and organizes digital passes, such as Apple Wallet or Google Wallet.


Z

Zone

A geographic area defined for location-based notifications or actions related to digital passes.


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