# Glossary

This glossary explains key terms used throughout the Databox API documentation.
For a broader overview of platform-wide terminology, see the [official Databox Glossary](https://help.databox.com/databox-glossary).

### account

Databox offers two types of accounts: **standard accounts** and **agency accounts**.

- A **standard account** is a single account used by an individual or organization.
- An **agency account** comprises one main account and one or more **clients** to which the user has access.


### API key

A unique token used to authenticate requests to the Databox API.

- API keys are issued **per user**.
- Keep API keys secure—anyone with access to an API key can interact with the API on behalf of the associated user and account.
- See also: [Authentication](/api/authentication).


### client

A sub-account under an **agency account**.

- A client can be set as either **managed** or **self-managed**.
- See also: [Account](#account).


### data source

A data source is a connection to an external system or an ingestion container.

- In each space, users can connect multiple data sources through integrations.
- **Ingestion data sources** do not store data themselves but act as containers that organize one or more related datasets under a shared structure.
- Every dataset must be associated with a data source; a dataset cannot exist independently.


### dataset

A dataset represents a table of data defined by a specific schema.

- Each data source can contain multiple datasets.
- A dataset serves as the destination for data ingested via the API.
- Once ingested, the data within a dataset can be manipulated and visualized in the platform.


### rate limit

The maximum number of API requests that can be made within a given time period.

- Rate limits protect the system from excessive usage and ensure fair access for all users.
- If the limit is exceeded, the API responds with an error indicating that too many requests have been made.
- See also: [Errors → Response codes](/api/errors/error-codes).


### user

A person with access to an account through a unique email address.

- A user can only be associated with one account at a time.