========
Glossary
========

This section aims to describe the vocabulary used to describe Nasca's
components.

A run of *Nasca* performs one study. Each study focuses on one model (FEM) and
one set of results (wether multi-loadcases or not). To achieve this, a study is
composed of several analysis which will focus on one set of *items*.

.. _def-study:

**Study**
    A study is the full analysis of a FEM and leads to report and/or
    spreadsheets describincg of steg results. A study is a set of analysis.

.. _def-analysis:

**Analysis**
    An *analysis* is the base component of a *study*. An *analysis* is based on
    a set of *items* (e.g. panels, joints, fasteners, *etc.*) and consists in a
    stack of steps to be performed to get the results.

.. _def-item:

**Item**
    An *item* is a set of elements and nodes (elements and nodes to be
    understood in the context of a Finite Elements Model) grouped together to
    form a high-level element (e.g. panel2, joint7, *etc.*).
    
    *Items* are the real *added-value* of Nasca by providing a concrete
    abstraction layer over finite elements.

    All the *items* of same nature are grouped together into a proper container
    called *Collector*.

    Each *item* from a single *collector* are identified *via* a unique Nasca
    ID (frequently abbreviated as :ref:`nid<def-nid>`).

.. _def-nid:

**nid**
    refers to Nasca ID. This integer identifies an *item* inside its
    *collector*. For example Panel7, Joint7, *etc.*.

.. _def-collector:

**Collector**
    A Collector is the container of items of the same familly. By extension, it
    also refers to the plugin performing the grouping.

.. _def-plugin:

**Plugin**
    Piece of code extending Nasca's base possibilities. Three kinds of plugins
    exist: Collectors, Analysts and Writers. Check the :ref:`plugins
    overview<plugins-overview>`.

**Pipeline**
    pipeline concept is the easiest way to figure dataflow managemnt. A
    pipeline is a list of steps to be performed to get the analysis results.

    A pipeline can actually be straight or forked.