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

# Getting Started Overview

> Choose the SoMark integration path that matches your scenario, then continue with the right quickstart page.

Before choosing an integration path, clarify your use case. SoMark offers multiple ways to integrate: direct HTTP interface, terminal scripts, code libraries, agent platform tools, and MCP client integration.

## Available integration paths

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="SoMark API" icon="terminal" href="/en/documentation/api">
    Direct HTTP integration.
  </Card>

  <Card title="SoMark CLI" icon="square-terminal" href="/en/documentation/cli">
    Best for terminals, scripts, and batch jobs.
  </Card>

  <Card title="SoMark SDK" icon="code" href="/en/documentation/sdk">
    Best for apps, services, and code integration.
  </Card>

  <Card title="SoMark Skill" icon="wand-magic-sparkles" href="/en/documentation/skill">
    Best for Skill-based agent platforms.
  </Card>

  <Card title="SoMark MCP" icon="plug" href="/en/documentation/mcp">
    Best for MCP-based AI clients.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Scenarios and integration paths

| Scenario                                       | Recommended                             | Details                                                                                           |
| ---------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Need fine-grained API control                  | [SoMark API](/en/documentation/api)     | Standard low-level interface. API fields are the source of truth.                                 |
| Need quick validation or batch tasks           | [SoMark CLI](/en/documentation/cli)     | Use directly from the command line without writing application code.                              |
| Need integration in a Python or JavaScript app | [SoMark SDK](/en/documentation/sdk)     | Purpose-built for engineering integration, with retry logic, timeouts, and dependency management. |
| Need integration in an agent workflow          | [SoMark Skill](/en/documentation/skill) | Aligns with platform workflow patterns and reduces wrapper code.                                  |
| Need direct use from an MCP client             | [SoMark MCP](/en/documentation/mcp)     | Purpose-built for MCP client integration with natural-language commands.                          |

## Sync vs. async parsing

SoMark supports both sync and async parsing modes. Choose based on your processing scenario and file size.

| Scenario                                           | Recommended                           | Details                                                                       |
| -------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Need immediate results with small files (\< 30MB)  | [Sync parsing](/en/quickstart-sync)   | Returns results immediately in a single request. Best for real-time feedback. |
| Processing large files or batch documents (> 30MB) | [Async parsing](/en/quickstart-async) | Submit job and query results later. Best for long-running processing.         |