> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://modal-computer-use.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# API reference overview

> Choose the Python SDK or daemon API surface for your application.

The typed Python SDK runs over the daemon HTTP API. Choose the entry point that matches lifecycle ownership.

## Choose an entry point

| Need | Entry point | Ownership |
| - | - | - |
| Run the optimized placed trajectory | `AsyncComputerSandbox.create()` and `ComputerSessionHandle.borrow_async()` | The async owner keeps the Sandbox. The placed Function borrows it. |
| Use an explicit unplaced compatibility path | `AsyncComputerSandbox.create_unplaced()` | The caller owns the Sandbox and topology. |
| Use synchronous Modal primitives | `ComputerSandbox` | Created desktops are owned. Attached desktops are not. |
| Connect to an existing daemon | `DaemonClient` or `AsyncDaemonClient` | Closing the client closes its connections. |
| Manage several desktops | `ComputerSandboxManager` | Lifecycle actions remain explicit. |

The sync and async borrowed clients both expose `computer.step(actions)`. The async path is the primary model-loop surface.

## Reference map

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Configuration" href="/reference/configuration" icon="sliders">
    Review public models, defaults, and environment ownership.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Namespaces" href="/reference/namespaces" icon="table-list">
    Find desktop operations and the stable Step method.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Errors and models" href="/reference/errors-and-models" icon="shapes">
    Identify result models and recovery failures.
  </Card>

  <Card title="OpenAPI" href="/reference/openapi" icon="brackets-curly">
    Inspect the checked-in daemon schema and route groups.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Import boundary

Import stable SDK types from `modal_computer_use`.

```python theme={"system"}
from modal_computer_use import (
    AsyncComputerSandbox,
    ComputerConfig,
    ComputerStepResult,
    Screenshot,
)
```

Core imports stay provider-free. Install only the Modal, OpenAI, or Anthropic extras your
application uses.

## Daemon boundary

The daemon owns desktop primitives, native input, capture, batching, receipts, and cleanup. The application owns model calls and provider state. Modal orchestration stays in the SDK owner and handoff surfaces.

Use [OpenAPI](/reference/openapi) for the HTTP contract. Use [Namespaces](/reference/namespaces) for Python methods. The [application API guide](https://github.com/ashtonchew/modal-computer-use/blob/b60c1cb7495200e36a738c0f6e07961b1d2db93c/docs/api.md) records the complete lifecycle and recovery contract.


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