---
schema_version: "1"
id: 5f9bc7ec768a14edb6275ffa4d9fe4771009c6d78b5b477f0bcdb38e21ac4bc7
title: Get Started with Marketing Cloud Engagement APIs and Programmatic Languages
collection: developer
version: current
locale: en-us
portal_url: https://docs.salesforce.com/developer/current/en-us/marketing-cloud/guides/mc-getting-started/get-started-index.md
canonical_url: https://developer.salesforce.com/docs/marketing/marketing-cloud/guide/get-started-index.html
source_site: developer.salesforce.com
content_type: documentation
content_hash: 22ca1748169d2d0bdc6e313870a0885b027fb460f5f01945c03643040bdbb420
products:
  - Marketing Cloud Engagement APIs and Programmatic Languages
  - Marketing Cloud
---
# Get Started with Marketing Cloud Engagement APIs and Programmatic Languages

Use the APIs to create apps that integrate with Marketing Cloud Engagement, or build custom apps and components on top of Marketing Cloud Engagement.

**tip:** If you're new to REST APIs, start with the [Marketing Cloud Engagement APIs](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/marketing-cloud-apis) module on Trailhead.

## Packages

A package is your starting point for all developer activity. Create packages to connect to the API. You can also extend Marketing Cloud Engagement with packages containing custom apps or custom Journey Builder activities and events. Your organization or business partners build these customizations, or they’re installed from AppExchange.

See [Packages](https://developer.salesforce.com/docs/marketing/marketing-cloud/mc-app-development/packages-overview.md).

## APIs

Marketing Cloud Engagement offers a REST and SOAP API that share a common authentication mechanism based on OAuth 2. Use these APIs to interact with these features.

- Tracking
- Subscribers and lists
- Programs
- Triggered sends
- Content
- Contacts
- Journey Builder
- Mobile Connect
- MobilePush
- Campaigns

See [Marketing Cloud Engagement APIs](https://developer.salesforce.com/docs/marketing/marketing-cloud/mc-apis/rest-api-overview.md).

## Programmatic Languages

Marketing Cloud Engagement includes scripting languages to personalize landing pages, create applications, construct cross-channel templates or layouts, and work with messaging functions.

See [Programmatic Marketing Content](https://developer.salesforce.com/docs/marketing/marketing-cloud/mc-programmatic-content/programmatic-content-overview.md).