# Integration Overview

> Overview of TraceKit integration options including REST API and CLI. Choose the best approach for your application.

- Canonical: https://tracekit.dev/docs/integration/overview

# TraceKit Integration

Integrate TraceKit into your applications using our REST API or CLI tool. Choose the approach that best fits your workflow.

## What is TraceKit Integration?

TraceKit provides multiple ways to integrate monitoring into your applications. Whether you prefer a simple command-line tool or full programmatic control via REST API, we've got you covered.

## Integration Methods

### OTLP Direct (No SDK Required)

Already running OpenTelemetry? Skip the SDK entirely. TraceKit accepts standard OTLP over HTTP -- just configure your exporter:

```text
Traces:  https://app.tracekit.dev/v1/traces
Metrics: https://app.tracekit.dev/v1/metrics
Header:  X-API-Key: your_api_key_here
```

Works with any language, any framework, any existing OTel setup. No code changes needed beyond updating the exporter endpoint.

**When do you need the SDK?** Only for features outside the OpenTelemetry spec: [dynamic logs](/docs/code-monitoring) (capture variable state in production without redeploying), automatic PII scrubbing, and [LLM auto-instrumentation](/docs/languages/go#llm-instrumentation). If you only need tracing and metrics, OTLP direct is all you need.

### CLI Integration

The fastest way to get started. One command sets up everything automatically.

- Automatic framework detection
- SDK installation included
- Health monitoring setup
- Interactive setup wizard

```bash
tracekit init
```

[Learn more](/docs/integration/cli)

### API Integration

Full programmatic control for custom integrations and partner applications.

- RESTful API endpoints
- Email-based registration
- Health check API
- Webhook support

```
POST /v1/integrate/register
```

[View API docs](/docs/integration/api)

## What You Get

- **Free plan** -- 200,000 traces per month for getting started
- **Email Notifications** -- Automatic alert setup for service issues
- **Health Monitoring** -- Uptime tracking with heartbeats and endpoint checks
- **Dashboard Access** -- Web UI for traces, metrics, alerts, dynamic logs, sessions, releases, and AI investigations

## Comparison

| Feature | OTLP Direct | CLI | API |
|---------|-------------|-----|-----|
| Setup Time | 1 config change | 1 command | Multiple API calls |
| SDK Required | No | Optional | Manual |
| Framework Detection | N/A | Automatic | Manual |
| Dynamic Logs | No | Yes (with SDK) | Yes (with SDK) |
| LLM Instrumentation | No | Yes (with SDK) | Yes (with SDK) |
| Best For | Existing OTel users | New projects | Frameworks and partners |

## Choosing a Method

**When to use each method:**
- **OTLP Direct:** You already have OpenTelemetry set up and just want tracing/metrics
- **CLI:** Starting fresh, want the fastest setup with optional SDK features
- **API:** Framework integrations, partner applications, custom workflows

## Ready to Integrate?

- [CLI Integration Guide](/docs/integration/cli) -- Start with one command setup
- [API Integration Guide](/docs/integration/api) -- Build custom integrations