“fingerprint” is a term that smartthings uses for a code that a device will send to smartthings when it joins that indicates the device model and manufacturer.
It’s not exactly a fingerprint since it’s not unique to each individual physical device, it’s just unique to the model, but it’s what smartthings needs to know in order to select the correct DTH or edge driver in order to communicate successfully with it.
The device should broadcast this information at the time it joins a network established by a smartthings hub.
The Models supported by any individual DTH or Edge Driver are coded into that DTH/driver by the author.
To learn more about Edge, see the community FAQ.
FAQ: I have no idea what Edge is. Is that a new developer tool? (2022)