---
title: Getting started with the API
redirect_from:
  - /articles/getting-started-with-the-api
versions:
  fpt: '*'
  ghes: '*'
  ghae: '*'
  ghec: '*'
shortTitle: Get started API
---

To automate common tasks, back up your data, or create integrations that extend {% data variables.product.product_name %}, you can use the {% ifversion fpt or ghec %}{% data variables.product.prodname_dotcom %}{% else %}{% data variables.product.product_name %}{% endif %} API.

For more information about the API, see the [GitHub REST API](/rest) and [GitHub GraphQL API]({% ifversion ghec %}/free-pro-team@latest/{% endif %}/graphql). You can also stay current with API-related news by following the [{% data variables.product.prodname_dotcom %} Developer blog](https://developer.github.com/changes/).

## Further reading

- "[Backing up a repository](/articles/backing-up-a-repository)"{% ifversion fpt or ghec %}
- "[About integrations](/articles/about-integrations)"{% endif %}