API Basics

PayPal offers both RESTful and name-value pair (NVP) and SOAP interfaces to help you create a payments solution that meets your needs. These interfaces enable you to incorporate PayPal functionality into your website applications and mobile apps.

The PayPal REST APIs use HTTP verbs and a RESTful endpoint structure. The API authorization framework is OAuth 2.0. Request and response payloads are in JSON format. For more information, see REST API reference.

The PayPal NVP/SOAP APIs support both name-value pair (NVP)- and SOAP-formatted calls. Some of these APIs also support JSON-formatted payloads. For information about API credentials, required HTTP headers, and more, see PayPal NVP/SOAP APIs Getting Started Guide.

Developer process

To develop applications that use PayPal interfaces:

Step		REST APIs	NVP/SOAP APIs
1.	Register as a PayPal developer.	Click Sign Up on the PayPal Developer site	Click Sign Up on the PayPal Developer site
2.	Learn how to make PayPal API calls.	Make your first call	PayPal NVP/SOAP APIs Getting Started Guide
3.	Prepare to test in the sandbox.	Create an app for testing	Creating Sandbox Test Accounts
4.	Use the correct endpoints.	REST API reference	NVP/SOAP API endpoints
5.	Use the correct credentials.	REST API authentication and headers	Creating and managing NVP/SOAP API credentials
6.	See integration documentation.	See these overviews: Payments Billing Plans Billing agreements Payouts Vault Identity Invoicing Payment Experience Webhook notifications	NVP/SOAP API Development & Integration Guides
7.	Test your application in the sandbox.	Manage your applications	PayPal Sandbox Testing Guide
8.	Go live with your application.	Manage your applications	Going Live with Your Application

Support, documentation, and other resources

Reference and other resources are available at the following locations: