# Overview

This section covers two ways to connect to the Finqu platform: **integrations** (merchant-specific) and **apps**
(installable by others). Both use the REST API and OAuth; apps have additional requirements and a publishment flow.

## Integrations (merchant-specific)

**Integrations** are custom solutions built for a particular merchant (or your own store). They connect external
services or systems to Finqu using the REST API and allow you to automate workflows, synchronize data, or extend the
platform’s capabilities.

- Authentication and API access are **tied to that merchant**: you obtain credentials (e.g. via OAuth) from the
  merchant’s admin area and use them to call the Finqu API on their behalf.
- The integration is **not listed** in an app store; it’s a custom solution for that merchant.

**Getting started:** Use the [REST API](/apis-and-tools/rest-api/overview) for endpoints and the
[Authentication guide](/get-started/authentication) for OAuth and credentials.

## Apps (installable by others)

**Apps** are **Partner apps** that other merchants can discover and install. You register an app in the Partner
dashboard, define an install endpoint, and go through a review process. Depending on how you publish the app, merchants
can install it via a **private link** or from the **public app listing**.

**New to building apps?** Start with [Your first app](./your-first-app) — a step-by-step guide from creating the app in Partner and copying credentials to setting up your project with App Link and writing your first code.

Beyond that, you’ll work with a few key concepts:

- **Install flow** — An install endpoint you host; Finqu sends merchants there to start the OAuth flow. See
  [App Installation & Authentication](./app-installation-authentication).
- **App context** — When your app runs embedded in Finqu Admin, a context token identifies the merchant. See
  [App Context](./app-context).
- **Publishment** — Draft → private (shareable via links) → public (in app listings). Each step beyond draft requires
  review. See [App Publishment](./app-publishment).