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

# API Overview

> Choose your integration method: REST API, Python SDK, or MCP

Three powerful ways to integrate with the platform. Choose the approach that best fits your use case:

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="REST API" icon="globe" href="/API reference/rest-api">
    **Control Plane REST API**

    Universal HTTP endpoints for managing agents, tasks, and knowledge bases from any programming language.

    Perfect for: Multi-language apps, microservices, web applications
  </Card>

  <Card title="Python SDK" icon="code" href="/API reference/sdk">
    **SDK for Building Agents**

    Comprehensive Python library with decorators, event handling, and framework integration for building sophisticated AI agents.

    Perfect for: Python applications, rapid prototyping, complex workflows
  </Card>

  <Card title="MCP Protocol" icon="plug" href="/API reference/mcp">
    **MCP for Agent Discovery**

    Model Context Protocol for discovering agents and scheduling tasks from Claude Desktop, Cursor, and other MCP clients.

    Perfect for: IDE integration, AI client access, standardized protocols
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Quick Comparison

| Feature              | REST API                 | Python SDK        | MCP Protocol                  |
| -------------------- | ------------------------ | ----------------- | ----------------------------- |
| **Language Support** | Any language             | Python only       | Any MCP client                |
| **Use Case**         | Control plane operations | Building agents   | Discovering & invoking agents |
| **Setup**            | API key only             | pip install       | MCP client config             |
| **Best For**         | CRUD operations          | Agent development | IDE/AI client integration     |

## Getting Started

<Steps>
  <Step title="Get API Credentials">
    Sign up at [chat.xpander.ai](https://chat.xpander.ai) and generate your API key
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose Your Integration">
    Select REST API for universal access, Python SDK for agent development, or MCP for AI client integration
  </Step>

  <Step title="Follow the Guide">
    Each integration method has comprehensive documentation and examples to get you started quickly
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Authentication

All three integration methods use the same authentication:

```bash theme={"dark"}
# Set your API key
export XPANDER_API_KEY="your-api-key"
export XPANDER_ORGANIZATION_ID="your-org-id"
```

## Support & Resources

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="User Guide" icon="book" href="/guides">
    Complete platform documentation
  </Card>

  <Card title="Examples" icon="lightbulb" href="/Examples">
    Code examples and tutorials
  </Card>

  <Card title="Community" icon="users" href="https://join.slack.com/t/xpandercommunity/shared_invite/zt-2mt2xkxkz-omM7f~_h2jcuzFudrYtZQQ">
    Join our Slack community
  </Card>
</CardGroup>