Knowledge Base
Learn how Marcus works — explained in plain English with real-world analogies.
Tech Concepts
Child Process
A program your app starts to do work separately, so the main app stays responsive.
“Like a restaurant sending an order ticket to a different kitchen station — the waiter doesn't cook, they delegate.”
Task Queue
A waiting line so tasks run in order without overwhelming the system.
“Like a deli counter — take a number, get served in turn. Nobody cuts in line.”
Concurrency
Running multiple tasks at the same time, each making independent progress.
“A chef cooking two dishes on different burners — both make progress without waiting for the other.”
Rate Limiting
A speed limit on how many requests you can make per time period.
“Like a highway on-ramp meter — only so many cars per minute to prevent traffic jams.”
Heartbeat
A periodic "I'm still alive" signal from a background process.
“Like a doctor checking your pulse — a quick check that everything is running normally.”
Polling
Checking for updates on a timer instead of being notified when something changes.
“Like refreshing your email every 30 seconds vs getting a push notification the instant a new email arrives.”
SSE (Server-Sent Events)
The server pushes updates to your browser in real-time without you asking.
“Like a live sports ticker that updates scores as they happen — no refreshing needed.”
JSON Storage
Saving data as text files on disk instead of using a database server.
“Like keeping notes in a notebook vs a filing cabinet. Simple, portable, no setup needed.”
AI & Agents
System Prompt
Instructions that tell the AI how to behave before it sees your message.
“Like a job description for a new employee — it sets expectations before they start working.”
Model Routing
Sending different tasks to different AI models based on complexity and cost.
“Like hospital triage — simple cases go to a nurse, complex ones go to a specialist.”
Business & Legal
LLC (Limited Liability Company)
A business structure that separates your personal assets from business debts and lawsuits.
“Like a corporate shield — if someone sues your business, they can't take your house or car. The LLC absorbs the hit.”
DBA (Doing Business As)
A registered trade name that lets you operate under a different name than your legal entity.
“Like a stage name — Bruce Wayne operates as Batman, but legally it's still Bruce Wayne. A DBA gives no separate legal protection.”
EIN (Employer Identification Number)
A unique 9-digit number the IRS assigns to your business for tax purposes.
“Like a Social Security number for your business — required to open bank accounts, hire employees, and file taxes.”
Operating Agreement
A document that defines ownership percentages, roles, and decision-making rules for an LLC.
“Like team rules — who owns what, who makes decisions, what happens if someone leaves. Even solo LLCs need one.”
Registered Agent
A person or company designated to receive legal and government documents on behalf of your business.
“Like an official mailbox — ensures lawsuits, tax notices, and state filings always reach you. Must be a FL street address (no PO boxes).”
Annual Report (FL)
A yearly filing with the Florida Division of Corporations confirming your business info is current.
“Like a yearly check-in — the state wants to know you're still alive and your address is correct. Skip it and face dissolution + $400 penalty.”