> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.vbase.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.vbase.com/get-started/choose-how-to-use-vbase.md).

# Choose How to Use vBase

vBase can stamp and verify predictive datasets, alternative data, portfolios, and other files. It works from the browser, Python, the command line, and Excel. Pick the path that fits your environment.

| What you want to do                   | Recommended option                                         |
| ------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- |
| Stamp or verify in your browser       | [Web App](/get-started/web-app-overview.md)                |
| Automate from Python                  | [`vbase-api`](/get-started/api-py-quickstart.md)           |
| Integrate from another language       | [REST API](/rest-api/rest-api-user-guide.md)               |
| Explore REST endpoints interactively  | [Swagger UI](https://app.vbase.com/swagger/)               |
| Stamp from Excel                      | [Excel and COM Tools](/other-sdks-and-tools/user-guide.md) |
| Run command-line workflows            | [CLI](/other-sdks-and-tools/index.md)                      |
| Low-level or direct blockchain access | [`vbase`](/python-blockchain-sdk-vbase-advanced/api.md)    |

## Web App

Use [app.vbase.com](https://app.vbase.com) to manage collections and create or verify stamps without installing software. [Get started by making an account](/get-started/create-a-vbase-account.md).

## `vbase-api`: Python REST client

The recommended option for Python users. It handles REST authentication, file uploads, and response parsing. Its package name is `vbase-api`; its import name is `vbase_api`.

```bash
pip install vbase-api
```

* Package: [`vbase-api` on PyPI](https://pypi.org/project/vbase-api/)
* Source: [`validityBase/vbase-api-py` on GitHub](https://github.com/validityBase/vbase-api-py)
* Docs: [Python client API reference](/python-api-client/index.md)
* Quickstart: [Python REST Client Quickstart](/get-started/api-py-quickstart.md)
* Private stamping: [Private Stamping with Delayed Reveal](/use-case-how-tos/private-stamping.md)

## REST API

The REST API works with any language or tool that can make HTTP requests, including R, JavaScript, C#, and shell scripts. `vbase-api` wraps this interface; the lower-level `vbase` SDK does not.

* Base URL: `https://app.vbase.com/api/v1/`
* Swagger UI: [app.vbase.com/swagger/](https://app.vbase.com/swagger/)
* Docs: [REST API User Guide](/rest-api/rest-api-user-guide.md)

## Excel and COM Tools

Stamp and verify from Excel or another COM-compatible application. See the [COM Library Overview](/other-sdks-and-tools/user-guide.md).

## CLI

Stamp and verify from a terminal or shell script. See the [Command Line Interface](/other-sdks-and-tools/index.md).

## `vbase`: core Python SDK

Use `vbase` for direct, low-level access to commitment services and blockchains. It supports CID computation, sets and objects, batch operations, point-in-time simulation, and typed objects. Most users should use `vbase-api`.

Appropriate use cases:

* Custom CID computation and typed data
* Batch commitments
* Point-in-time simulation
* Low-level integrations that do not use the REST API

```bash
pip install vbase
```

* Package: [`vbase` on PyPI](https://pypi.org/project/vbase/)
* Source: [`validityBase/vbase-py` on GitHub](https://github.com/validityBase/vbase-py)
* Docs: [`vbase` API reference](/python-blockchain-sdk-vbase-advanced/api.md)