> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ativo.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ativo.io/rest-api/authentication.md).

# Authentication

{% hint style="info" %}
The REST API is available as BETA.
{% endhint %}

The REST API allows you to interact with Ativo Programs interactively. Use this API to extract configuration data that has been saved in Ativo itself. 

Jira issue data (including [custom fields](/advanced/ativo-programs-custom-fields.md) ) is never processed in the Ativo backend, and hence not available via the API. Use the Jira API instead to access Jira issue data.

### Create an API token

Jira admins can create an API authentication token. Go to ***Jira settings > Manage apps > Ativo Programs > REST API*** and click on "Create" button.

<figure><img src="/files/YrdeE096vSkaEOtHUIy2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Choose a name for the token, and click submit.&#x20;

The generated token will be shown. Make sure to copy the token, as you will not be able to see it again afterwards.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/DvXZcYQJkROxSSlVvQf3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Revoke a token

Jira admins can revoke tokens. They can do so for all tokens, including tokens from other Jira admins.&#x20;

Click on the revoke button next to the token. The token is revoked immediately.

<figure><img src="/files/iG986fZbiY7n2bLtrAOg" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Authentication and authorization

Most REST API clients provide a mechanism to supply an authorization token.&#x20;

For example, you can supply the `-H`  option to `curl`. The example (for Jira cloud) below will provide the index list of Ativo teams.

```sh
curl https://cloud-api.ativo.io/rest/api/1/team
 -H "Authorization: Bearer <token>"  
```

### Versioning

The Jira API endpoints and returned models are [versioned](/rest-api/version.md).

### Learn more

Browser the REST API:

{% content-ref url="/pages/oGjtoJPXoaBERu8TxaN9" %}
[Cloud REST API](/rest-api/cloud-rest-api.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/KH8KzKAMs0mtwbzVwRS4" %}
[Data Center REST API](/rest-api/data-center-rest-api.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}