Terminology

Key concepts when using pipestat:

record identifier. An identifier for a particular pipeline run, such as a sample name. If you are using pipestat in tandem with looper, record_identifier = sample_name.

result identifier. The name of a result, such as aligned_read_count or duplication_rate.
result: An element produced by a pipeline. Results have defined data types, described herein.
value. The actual data for an output result for a given record.

namespace: A way to group results that belong together. In the api, this is referenced via pipeline_name. This is typically an identifier for a particular pipeline, like rnaseq-pipeline. All results from this pipeline will share this namespace.
pipestat specification: the way to structure a set of results stored from one or more pipeline runs.
backend. The technology underlying the result storage, which can be either a simple file or a database.