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

# Developer tools

> Choose between the API, CLI, and MCP server, and understand how their authentication, data, and billing differ.

## Overview

This page explains what the API, CLI, and MCP server are for, and how authentication, data, and billing differ. Choose the option that fits where and how you want to use NoimosAI.

## Choose how to connect

Use these three options to choose where you want to work with NoimosAI.

> [card] [API](https://docs.noimosai.com/developers/api/overview.md)
>
> Embed search, analysis, and generation in your own services or business systems through code.

> [card] [CLI](https://docs.noimosai.com/developers/cli/overview.md)
>
> Operate a NoimosAI workspace with commands from your terminal or CI/CD.

> [card] [MCP server](https://docs.noimosai.com/developers/mcp/overview.md)
>
> Work with NoimosAI through conversations in Claude, ChatGPT Desktop, Codex, Cursor, and other clients.

## Authentication, data, and billing

The API uses the separate Developer Platform. The CLI and MCP server provide external access to your regular NoimosAI workspace.

| Comparison | API | CLI | MCP server |
| - | - | - | - |
| Primary users | Service and system developers | Terminal users, CI/CD | Users of MCP-compatible AI clients |
| Where you use it | Your services, business systems, servers | Terminal, shell scripts, CI/CD | Claude, ChatGPT Desktop, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, and more |
| How you use it | Send HTTP requests from code | Run `noimosai` commands | Give instructions to AI in natural language |
| Authentication | Developer Platform API key (`nmp_`) | Browser OAuth or an API key from team settings | Remote: browser OAuth; Local: API key from team settings |
| Data accessed | Developer Platform project and information supplied in the request | Workspace brand information, knowledge, and connected apps | Workspace brand information, knowledge, and connected apps |
| Billing | Developer Platform prepaid USD balance | NoimosAI credits | NoimosAI credits |
| Best suited for | Product integrations, bulk processing, custom interfaces | Routine tasks, local execution, CI/CD | Research, creation, and operations through AI conversations |

> [!WARNING]
>
> Developer Platform keys and keys issued in regular NoimosAI are not interchangeable. Authentication failures never automatically switch you to another billing account or workspace.

## Data boundaries

In regular NoimosAI, a team contains workspaces. Each workspace manages brand information, a knowledge base, and connected accounts. The CLI and MCP server operate on these workspaces.

Developer Platform has separate organizations, projects, permissions, and balances. The API does not implicitly access regular NoimosAI workspaces, brand information, knowledge bases, or connected accounts. Supply any required information explicitly as tool inputs.


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