# API calls

> You can use API calls as an alternative to the robotic process automation (RPA) approach. API calls allow you to retrieve detailed information about your project, including the extractors and classifiers used, facilitate the use of digitization APIs, classify and extract data from documents using both specialized and generative models, and validate previously digitized, classified, and extracted information.

You can use API calls as an alternative to the robotic process automation (RPA) approach. API calls allow you to retrieve detailed information about your project, including the extractors and classifiers used, facilitate the use of digitization APIs, classify and extract data from documents using both specialized and generative models, and validate previously digitized, classified, and extracted information.

## When should I use API calls?

Use Document Understanding<sup>TM</sup> APIs to access the capabilities the same way as you would via RPA. For consuming the APIs, you can use any programming/scripting language (since the calls are made using HTTP), including RPA.

You can access the APIs via Swagger: In the toolbar of the Document Understanding<sup>TM</sup> service, look for the Rest API dropdown, and select Framework.

:::tip
For more information on how to get started with the Document Understanding APIs, check the [Document Understanding API Guide](https://docs.uipath.com/document-understanding/automation-suite/2024.10/api-guide/api-overview).
:::