What You’ll Learn
- The difference between the REST API and Abilities API
- When to use each API
- How authentication works across both systems
MainWP REST API
The MainWP REST API is MainWP’s native HTTP interface for external integrations. It exposes fixed endpoints for managing sites, updates, clients, tags, and costs through standard REST conventions.REST API Reference
MainWP’s native HTTP endpoints for site management, updates, clients, and tags.
https://your-dashboard.com/wp-json/mainwp/v2/
The REST API works well for scripts, direct HTTP calls, and established automation workflows where you know exactly which endpoints to call.
WordPress Abilities API
The Abilities API is a WordPress-wide framework for capability discovery and execution. It’s a separate WordPress plugin that provides a standardized registry where any plugin can register discrete actions (“abilities”) with defined schemas. MainWP registers 62 abilities into this framework.Abilities API Reference
WordPress capability registry with MainWP’s 62 registered abilities for AI agents and automation tools.
https://your-dashboard.com/wp-json/wp-abilities/v1/
The key distinction is discoverability. AI agents and automation tools can query the Abilities API to learn what actions are available, what parameters they accept, and what they return—all through structured JSON schemas. The REST API requires prior knowledge of endpoint paths and parameters.
Authentication
Both systems accept the same Bearer tokens generated in your MainWP Dashboard:Requirements
| System | Requirements |
|---|---|
| REST API | MainWP Dashboard accessible via HTTPS, non-Plain permalinks |
| Abilities API | REST API requirements plus MainWP v6+ and WordPress Abilities API plugin |
Related Resources
- REST API Overview - REST API endpoints
- Abilities API Overview - Abilities API reference
- REST API Authentication - Authentication setup