> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.affelios.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Key Concepts

> Definitions of the main terms and components used across Affelios — what they mean and how they relate.

Understanding the core terms and components you’ll encounter while using Affelios will help you navigate setup, reporting, and operations more confidently.

***

## Core Terminology

| Term                  | Definition                                                                                                                                                                    |
| --------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Affelios Identity** | A unified login used by both **affiliates** and **program operators**. One identity can belong to multiple programs.                                                          |
| **Program**           | A branded space managed by a business (operator). Inside a program you configure **commission plans**, **trackers**, **branding**, **traffic sources**, and **payout rules**. |
| **Affiliate**         | A partner who joins programs, drives traffic or conversions, and earns commissions. Affiliates use tracking links, creatives, and reporting tools.                            |
| **Operator (Brand)**  | The business or organization that creates and manages an affiliate program: defines rules, approves affiliates, issues payments, etc.                                         |

***

## Features & Settings

| Concept                     | Purpose / Use                                                                                                                                             |
| --------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Commission Plan**         | Defines how affiliates are rewarded. Can be *CPA*, *revenue share*, or a customized hybrid. You can assign different plans for different affiliates.      |
| **Tracking Link / Tracker** | A URL that allows Affelios to attribute clicks, conversions, and traffic to affiliates. Includes parameters like clickKeys (e.g. `clickId`, `btag`).      |
| **Traffic Source**          | The origin of traffic: websites, social media profiles, promotional content, etc. Programs may require verification of traffic sources (DNS or meta-tag). |
| **ClickKey**                | The query parameter that carries a click-identifier in affiliate tracking links. Configurable per program to match affiliate / traffic source needs.      |

***

## Financial & Compliance Concepts

| Term                                    | Description                                                                                                                                           |
| --------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Payout Method**                       | How affiliates receive their earnings. May include bank transfer, PayPal, cryptocurrency, etc. Affiliates can add multiple methods and set a default. |
| **Invoice & VAT / Tax**                 | Affelios handles automatic invoice generation and VAT calculation to ensure compliance across regions.                                                |
| **Clean Slate / No-Negative Carryover** | A policy setting in programs that resets affiliate balances at the end of each period so negative balances don’t carry forward.                       |

***

## Relationships & Flows

Here’s how the pieces fit together in practice:

1. An **operator** creates a **program**, configures its branding, commission plans, traffic sources, etc.
2. An **affiliate** uses their **Affelios Identity** to join the program.
3. The affiliate sets up **trackers** and promotes via verified **traffic sources**.
4. When conversions happen, they are tracked via the tracker, attributed to the affiliate.
5. Earnings accumulate; at payout time the affiliate is paid via their chosen **payout method**. An invoice is generated, VAT/tax handled.
6. If “Clean Slate / No-Negative Carryover” is enabled, balances reset (negatives cleared) each period.

***

## Getting Started Tips

* When you first set up a program, decide up front on a **clickKey** that works for all your affiliates.
* Require traffic source verification if you want to maintain data quality and reduce fraud.
* Set up at least two payout methods for affiliates in case one fails or isn't supported.
* Think about whether “Clean Slate” policy suits your business model (some programs prefer to let negative balances carry over).

***

## What's Next

* 🌟 **Platform benefits:** <Link href="/knowledge-base/overview/benefits">Benefits</Link> - See the advantages of running your program on Affelios
* ⚡ **Get started:** <Link href="/knowledge-base/getting-started/quickstart">Quickstart Guide</Link> - Choose your onboarding path and get up and running fast
* ⚙️ **For operators:** <Link href="/knowledge-base/operators/setup-guide">Setup Guide</Link> - Complete program configuration and management
* 👥 **For affiliates:** <Link href="/knowledge-base/affiliates/onboarding">Affiliate Onboarding Guide</Link> - Join programs and start earning
* 🧩 **Platform integrations:** <Link href="/integrations/no-code/shopify">Shopify Integration</Link> - Connect your e-commerce platform
* 👩‍💻 **Developer resources:** <Link href="/developers/overview">Developer Overview</Link> - API documentation and integration guides