API Server Rationale
February 26, 2026 · View on GitHub
Context
Skill Scanner primarily analyzes local skill packages. Because the core scan target is local files, the CLI and Python SDK cover most development and authoring workflows.
Why an API Exists
The API server is an optional integration layer, not a requirement for scanning.
It provides:
- HTTP-native integration for CI/CD systems
- upload-based workflows for web applications
- asynchronous batch processing and result polling
- service-to-service integration in distributed architectures
When to Use Which Interface
Note
Quick Decision CLI/SDK — local development, one-off scans, scripted scans in the same runtime environment.
API — external systems that already integrate via REST, web upload/review portals, queued or remote orchestration workflows.
Practical Recommendation
Keep the API server available and documented as an optional interface.
- Position CLI as the default user path
- Position API as integration infrastructure
- Avoid describing the API as a remote skill access mechanism
See:
- API Server for endpoint usage
- Remote Skills Analysis for local-vs-remote model details