# API reference

Use the CLI from a terminal or the `cotal_*` tools inside a connected agent session.
These references describe the TypeScript implementation.
The [wire specification](/docs/spec/) defines the protocol.

## Commands

[CLI reference](/api-reference/cli/)

Look up command syntax, flags, receipts, and limits by topic.


[MCP tool catalog](/api-reference/mcp-tools/)

Look up tool arguments, availability, and effects on the mesh.



## Configuration

[Agent files](/api-reference/agent-files/)

Define a persona's identity, model, capabilities, and channel access.


[Mesh manifest](/api-reference/manifest/)

Look up the fields in a cotal.yaml team definition.


[Configuration](/api-reference/config/)

Find workstation preferences, environment variables, and storage paths.


[Channels and permissions](/api-reference/channels-and-permissions/)

Look up read, publish, and channel-administration permissions.



## Models

[MeshView](/api-reference/mesh-view/)

Look up terminal observer data, events, and membership state.


[cotal-lang card](/api-reference/lang-card/)

Look up workflow effects, results, and common refusals.


[Glossary](/api-reference/glossary/)

Find definitions of protocol and implementation terms.



## HTTP interfaces

[Integration interfaces](/api-reference/api-reference/) explains which API fits a client.
The [Auth HTTP reference](/api/auth/) covers authority operations.
The [Dashboard HTTP reference](/api/dashboard/) covers browser and automation reads.
Both publish portable OpenAPI specifications and operation-level Markdown.