> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.crisp.chat/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# How to use the REST API

*This article explains where to start when you want to use the Crisp REST API.*

The REST API lets developers read and write Crisp data from a backend, plugin, or internal integration. Use it when you need to send messages, retrieve conversations, update people profiles, manage plugin settings, or automate workspace operations.

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# ${color}[#0080dd](Before you start)

You will need API credentials and the right token type for your use case. Development tokens are useful for testing from a trusted workspace, while production tokens are required once your integration is deployed.

||| Keep REST API tokens private. Never expose them in frontend JavaScript, mobile apps, public repositories, or client-side code.

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# ${color}[#0080dd](Developer documentation)

__Use these Developer Hub resources:__
* [REST API quickstart](https://docs.crisp.chat/guides/rest-api/quickstart/) → authentication, tokens, and first requests
* [REST API reference](https://docs.crisp.chat/references/rest-api/v1/) → available endpoints, scopes, tiers, request bodies, and responses
* [RTM API quickstart](https://docs.crisp.chat/guides/rtm-api/quickstart/) → useful when your REST actions need real-time acknowledgements or events