Develop terminology for E4S image types

[maherou]

I would like to have a set of terms to describe basic E4S image types. I think we have two basic types and am proposing these names:

E4S Cache-Backed Image (CBI) — minimal footprint, on-demand installation from the binary cache.
E4S Full Image (or Complete Image) — everything preinstalled.

I like the term E4S Cache-Backed Image (CBI) for our minimal images, those that contain Spack only, and a pointer to the cache. I think we need this kind of term to facilitate discussions.

Please let me know if you like this name or have other suggestions. I want to add content to the E4S website that highlights our images.

[wspear]

Cache-Backed is good but I think 'Full' is potentially ambiguous (it might also refer to the set of packages provided, not if the packages are already on the image). How about Cache-Backed and Pre-Provisioned? Alternate to consider for Cache-Backed: On-Demand Provisioned.

[sameershende]

I also like Cache Backed Image! Not sure about the other names.

[maherou]

I also like the acronyms E4S CBI specifically and CBI generally. The terms help us define and promote the idea. MikeMichael ***@***.***+1 320 905 1275https://maherou.github.ioOn Aug 3, 2026, at 6:57 PM, Sameer Shende ***@***.***> wrote:sameershende left a comment (E4S-Project/E4S-Project.github.io#49) I also like Cache Backed Image! Not sure about the other names. —Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub, or unsubscribe.You are receiving this because you authored the thread.Message ID: ***@***.***>