# Platform Overview
source: https://developer.mastercard.com/platform/documentation/index.md

## Welcome to Mastercard Developers {#welcome-to-mastercard-developers}

The Mastercard Developers platform is designed to offer a wide range of products that enable you to integrate Mastercard's services into your applications. The platform provides products for various functionalities, including payment processing, fraud prevention, data analytics, and more.

We provide comprehensive documentation, guides, and support to help you integrate seamlessly into your applications. The goal is to simplify the onboarding and integration process along with providing you with the tools and capabilities needed to create innovative solutions using Mastercard's services.  

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Quickstart guide

### Build in minutes {#build-in-minutes}

Our Sandbox allows developers to quickly see how our APIs work and discover what's possible.
Learn more ![Mastercard image](https://static.developer.mastercard.com/content/platform/documentation/img/quickstart.svg)   

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## Mastercard Developers API {#mastercard-developers-api}

The Mastercard Developers API allows you to integrate and interact with the Mastercard Developers portal programmatically, mirroring the functionality of the Developers Dashboard. Any task you perform on the Dashboard can also be done via the API, and changes are reflected in both.
Technical Documentation

### Mastercard Developers API {#mastercard-developers-api}

Integrate with the Developers API to automate a number of operational tasks such as onboarding and managing customers, creating and managing keys/credentials.
How it works Quick start guide ![Mastercard image](https://static.developer.mastercard.com/content/platform/documentation/img/techdoc-code.svg)

## API Essentials {#api-essentials}

![Authentication](https://static.developer.mastercard.com/content/platform/documentation/img/authentication.svg)

##### Authentication {#authentication}

Our Mastercard APIs are secured using industry standards and strong cryptographic algorithms.

Learn more ![Content guide](https://static.developer.mastercard.com/content/platform/documentation/img/guides.svg)

##### Guides and tutorials {#guides-and-tutorials}

Technical guides for seamless development using our Mastercard Developer APIs.

Visit the guides ![Payments](https://static.developer.mastercard.com/content/platform/documentation/img/payments.svg)

##### Mastercard API test cards {#mastercard-api-test-cards}

Mastercard APIs use test cards; representatives configure specific cards when needed.
Learn more