> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/python-development-quick-start-guide/cortex-xsoar-python-development-quick-start-guide/readme.md). # Cortex XSOAR Platform Overview How the Cortex XSOAR platform is structured. Cortex XSOAR uses Python scripts to automate, integrate, and extend functionality. It is implemented as a single Linux service (demisto) and provides: * The Cortex XSOAR UI * Control and execution of integrations for collecting threat and incident data * Incident response orchestration and automation through playbooks Over 700 Marketplace content packs provide out-of-th- box (OOTB) integrations and playbooks supported by a common base of 300+ commands and automation scripts. While automations do support JavaScript and PowerShell, the most comprehensive support is for Python-based development. The Cortex XSOAR service uses two mechanisms for communication: the REST API and standard input/ouput/error streams provided by Linux. The Cortex XSOAR browser-based UI uses the REST API. Scripts may also use the REST API for additonal functionality. The standard input/output/error streams are internal to the Cortex XSOAR server for communicating with automation scripts executed within Docker and Podman containers and are not directly accessed by user developed scripts. ![cortex-xsoar-high-level-architecture.png](https://4194101003-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F1gnp6guN8K5qqalY6vhQ%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-dc42f7a85b29d52909c8486223393681f136cb4b%2Fbd017e8f00d586f76be169f99384a7cdfc53d7f4cef4346de26b63812afb1067.png?alt=media) --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/python-development-quick-start-guide/cortex-xsoar-python-development-quick-start-guide/readme.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.