---
title: "Ways to use Cortex"
canonical: https://workspace.socra.com/docs/cortex/ways-to-use
---

# Ways to use Cortex

Cortex is one product with several interfaces. Each interface works with the same Account-owned [Modules](/docs/cortex/concepts/modules-and-map), [Issues](/docs/cortex/concepts/issues-and-coordination), and knowledge.

The Cortex service at `cortex.socra.cloud` owns the canonical data and operations. The service is the system behind the interfaces, not a separate workflow that you must configure.

## Choose an interface

| Interface                                         | Use it when                                                                    | How it fits                                                                                                |
| ------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Agent integrations](/docs/cortex/integrations)   | You want a coding agent, ChatGPT, Claude, or another MCP client to use Cortex. | Agent plugins can provide session-start guidance and MCP tools. Direct MCP connections provide tools only. |
| [Socra CLI](/docs/cortex/reference/cli)           | You work from a terminal or use an agent with terminal access.                 | The `socra cortex` namespace exposes Cortex operations as commands.                                        |
| [Cortex API](/docs/cortex/reference/api)          | You are building software that calls Cortex directly.                          | The versioned API at `https://cortex.socra.cloud/v1` exposes Cortex resources and operations.              |
| [Cortex web app](/docs/cortex/guides/use-web-app) | You want to work with Cortex in a browser.                                     | The web app is the human interface to Cortex.                                                              |

The interface changes where you work. It does not create a separate copy of Cortex data.

## Choose a next step

- Follow the [Quickstart](/docs/cortex/get-started/first-workflow) for the shortest path to creating and flashing a Module.
- [Connect an agent](/docs/cortex/integrations) when you want an agent host to use Cortex.
- Use the [Socra CLI reference](/docs/cortex/reference/cli) or [MCP reference](/docs/cortex/reference/mcp) when you need interface details.