# Core concepts

CoordinatorDB distinguishes a database, a connection, a namespace and a request. These scopes determine which state is shared and how names are resolved.

A managed database can serve several clients. A native connection retains its selected database and transaction; an HTTP request creates an independent session. Within either session, `main` and `temp` are namespaces rather than managed database names.

Read the [glossary](https://coordinatordb.com/docs/concepts/core-concepts/glossary) for the public terms, [deployment modes](https://coordinatordb.com/docs/get-started/about/deployment-modes) for connection lifetime and file sharing, and [settings](https://coordinatordb.com/docs/concepts/features/configuration/settings/overview) for server, database and statement scope.