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# Introduction

The Fern AI API allows you to manage your Ask Fern configuration using Fern's public RESTful API. You can use the API to:

* Build your own support integrations that leverage Ask Fern's AI-powered search
* Add custom context and FAQs to your documentation
* Source usage and analytics data from your Ask Fern instances

## Authentication

Fern API requests require an API key for authentication. Use the CLI command [`fern token`](/learn/cli-api-reference/cli-reference/general-commands#fern-token) or the [API keys](/learn/dashboard/configuration/api-keys) page in the Dashboard to generate an API key. API keys don't expire.

Only organization [Admins](/learn/dashboard/configuration/permissions#admin) can generate API keys. If you have the Editor or Viewer role, ask an Admin to generate a key for you. Once you have a key, calling the API doesn't require any additional role.

> Welcome to the Fern API Reference.