> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.parameter1.com/basecms-graphql/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.parameter1.com/basecms-graphql/master.md).

# Getting Started

Getting started with the BaseCMS GraphQL API

## Welcome!

Welcome to the BaseCMS Developer program!

### About the API

The BaseCMS API can be accessed using GraphQL -- an abstract query language for retrieving data in a standard format, originally developed by the team at Facebook.

[GraphQL Playground](https://github.com/prisma-labs/graphql-playground) can be used as a locally installed API client, or the GraphQL connection can be accessed programmatically in most languages with the use of [a client](https://graphql.org/code/#graphql-clients). For more information about using GraphQL, check out the [docs](https://graphql.org/learn/).

{% hint style="info" %}
You'll need the following information to read data from the API:

* An API URL
* A Tenant Key
* An active Base user with permission to read data

If you're missing any of this, please reach out to <support@parameter1.com> and we'd be happy to help you out!
{% endhint %}

### Connecting to the API

Your GraphQL production and staging URLs will be provided, and should look something like this: `<identifier>.graphql.base.parameter1.com` or `<identifier>.graphql.base-staging.parameter1.com`. The API must be accessed via HTTP/S on port `443`.

Requests to the GraphQL API must include the `x-tenant-key` header for the Base instance in question: such as `x-tenant-key: my-base-instance-id`.

Once connected, you can see available query documentation and schema definitions within the GraphQL Playground application.

For more in-depth information, see the topics on [Querying Data](/basecms-graphql/querying-data/introduction.md) and [Modifying Data](/basecms-graphql/modifying-data/introduction.md).