> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.text.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Using the Customer Data Platform API

> Store persistent customer profile data in Text, keep customer records up to date, and make that context available across conversations.

The Customer Data Platform API works with persistent customer profiles in Text. Unlike session variables, customer properties remain available across conversations and can be retrieved outside a single chat.

## Before you start

For access requirements, see:

<p>
  <Icon icon="file" /> [Authorization](/docs/authentication/overview)

  <br />

  <Icon icon="file" /> [Scopes](/docs/authentication/scopes)
</p>

## Customer data resources

| Resource                                                                                                   | Description                                                                                                         |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Customers](/docs/api/customer-data-platform/customers/get-customer)                                            | Access customer profiles stored in the Customer Data Platform, including data combined across connected identities. |
| [Customer properties](/docs/api/customer-data-platform/customer-properties/create-customer-property-definition) | Manage persistent data fields and their values on customer profiles.                                                |
| [Segments](/docs/api/customer-data-platform/segments/get-segment-definitions)                                   | Define customer segments and manage the rules that determine segment membership.                                    |

## Related APIs

| If you need to                                                         | Use                                      |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| Work with customer data while handling a conversation                  | [Agent Chat API](/docs/api/agent-chat/)       |
| Update customer profile or session data from a customer chat interface | [Customer Chat API](/docs/api/customer-chat/) |

For a broader comparison, see [Management APIs](/docs/api-overview/management-apis).

## Customer identities and merged customers

A `Customer` object represents one customer identity. This identity is tied to a browser cookie, so the same person may have separate `Customer` objects when they use different browsers or devices.

Text can connect identities that belong to the same person and return their combined data as a merged customer. The original `Customer` objects remain separate and continue receiving updates.

Use [Get customer](/docs/api/customer-data-platform/customers/get-customer) to retrieve one identity or [Get merged customer](/docs/api/customer-data-platform/customers/get-merged-customer) to retrieve combined data.

## Customer segments

Segments classify customers based on their profile data. Every organization has built-in lead and qualified lead segments. You can also create custom segment definitions from conditions such as customer activity, contact data, and customer properties.

Use [Get segment definitions](/docs/api/customer-data-platform/segments/get-segment-definitions) to inspect the organization's definitions. Use [Create segment definition](/docs/api/customer-data-platform/segments/create-segment-definition) to add a custom segment.