Glossary
Plain-language definitions of the words used throughout the Matrix OS docs.
A quick reference for the terms you'll see across these guides.
The basics
Matrix computer — Your personal computer in the cloud. A real machine with a terminal, a file system, and an AI kernel, reachable from the web, CLI, mobile, and desktop. It keeps running after you disconnect.
Web shell — The browser interface at app.matrix-os.com. Your main way to use your Matrix computer: Terminal, Files, apps, and settings.
Shell / Terminal — The command line on your Matrix computer, where you run commands, builds, tests, and coding agents.
Session — A running terminal that lives on your Matrix computer. You can name sessions, leave them running, and reconnect from any device. Closing the browser does not end a session.
Attach / detach — Connecting to a session (attach) or stepping away from it without stopping it (detach). In the CLI, detach by pressing Ctrl-\ twice quickly.
Provisioning — The first-time setup that creates and boots your Matrix computer after you sign up and choose a plan.
Working in Matrix
CLI — The matrix command-line tool you install on your laptop to log in, attach to sessions, sync files, forward ports, and run agents. See the CLI guide.
Sync — Keeping files mirrored between your laptop and your Matrix computer with the CLI.
Port forwarding — Making a port on your Matrix computer (for example, a dev server) reachable on your own machine so you can open it in your local browser.
Workspace / home — Your files, repositories, and data on your Matrix computer (your home directory). It's yours, and it's preserved across updates.
Matrix app — An app that runs inside Matrix OS — on the web, desktop, or mobile — with access to your data through the built-in Matrix bridge.
Desktop app (Operator) — The native macOS app for Matrix OS: projects, tasks, agent threads, terminals, and apps in one keyboard-first window. See the Desktop guide.
AI and agents
AI kernel — The AI at the core of your Matrix computer. With your permission it can use the shell, files, apps, and integrations. It's the operating system itself, not a chat box bolted on the side.
Coding agent — An AI coding tool — Claude, Codex, Pi, or OpenCode — that you install and run on your Matrix computer inside a session. See Coding Agents.
Hermes — Matrix's always-on chat agent. It runs in the background and replies across web chat, mobile, and messaging channels. Hermes is model-agnostic — pick a model (Claude, GPT, Gemini, and more) before it can respond.
Skill — A short instruction file that coding agents discover and use to learn how Matrix works — build conventions, UI patterns, and debug playbooks. See Matrix Skills.
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