I've never used an API. What is it?

An API is a way for programs to talk to each other. Instead of clicking buttons, your program sends a request (a message over the internet) and gets a response back.

For the Cosmos Agent API:

• Your request says "start a run with these instructions".
• The response says "OK, here's run number 4f0c…".
• Later, your program asks "how is run 4f0c… doing?" and gets the answer and files back.

To prove it's really you, each request carries an API key (like a password for programs) and your Account ID. The easiest way to try one without coding is the Try it button in the docs.