# Source

> The two meanings of source in analytics, where data enters and where visitors come from, and how MIRA FIVE separates sources from channels.

URL: https://mirafive.io/glossary/source  
Updated: 2026-09-28

A source is where data enters an analytics project: a website running a script, a server sending events, or a connected account.

The word source has two meanings in analytics. In setup, a source is where data enters a project: a website running a tracking script, a backend that sends events, or an outside account whose data is imported. In reports, source often means where a visitor came from, as in the `utm_source` parameter or the phrase “traffic source”.

Keeping the two apart saves confusion. The first answers where your numbers come from; the second answers where your people come from.

## In MIRA FIVE

A source is where data enters a project. A website source runs the script, a server source receives events from your backend, and Google Search Console and Google Ads connect as sources too. Website and server sources each have their own [ingest keys](https://mirafive.io/glossary/ingest-key): a website key for browsers, a secret key for servers. A new website source starts consentless: no cookies are set, nothing is stored on the device and no identifier is sent. Switched to **Full**, it accepts both kinds of data, and each page chooses the mode per visitor: the default setup, or full mode for visitors who consent.

Where people came from is called the [channel](https://mirafive.io/glossary/channel). Acquisition sorts every visit into one of nine channels, from paid search to direct.

## Example

A shop might run one website source for its storefront and one server source that reports paid orders from its checkout backend.

## Read next

### Related terms

- [Channel](https://mirafive.io/glossary/channel)
- [Ingest key](https://mirafive.io/glossary/ingest-key)
- [First-party collection](https://mirafive.io/glossary/first-party)
- [Event](https://mirafive.io/glossary/event)

[All terms](https://mirafive.io/glossary)

## See which channel brings buyers

Free for 25,000 events a month. No card needed.

[Start free](https://app.mirafive.io/register)[See pricing](https://mirafive.io/pricing)