> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.2501.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Configuration Approaches

> Configure 2501 through Command Center, inventory files, or the public API

Choose the approach that fits the changes you need to make.

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Command Center" icon="hand-pointer">
    Create and edit resources through their pages. Useful for initial setup and individual changes.
  </Card>

  <Card title="CSV/JSON import" icon="file-csv">
    Create or update hosts and agents in bulk from inventory files.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Public API" icon="code">
    Read and change platform resources through HTTP requests.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Command Center

Create resources directly on each resource's page. This is useful for getting started, individual changes, and exploring how a feature behaves.

## CSV/JSON import

[Import and export](/0.18/configure/import-export) handles hosts and agents as separate CSV or JSON files. Export the current inventory, edit it, and import it back. Specialties and credentials must already exist; files reference them by ID.

CSV/JSON inventory imports do not cover specialties, operational rules, blacklists, knowledge, or gateways.

## Public API

The [public API](/0.18/api/overview) exposes resource endpoints for scripts and integrations. Authenticate with an API key and use the documented request formats. The host and agent batch endpoints support the same CSV/JSON workflow as Command Center.

## Which one when

| Scenario | Pick |
| - | - |
| First-time evaluation or individual changes | Command Center |
| Onboarding hundreds of hosts and agents | CSV/JSON import |
| Repeated provisioning or CI pipelines | Public API |
| Bulk edits to existing hosts and agents | Export, edit, and re-import |


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