Everything you do in the web interface is ultimately an API call, and PAN-OS exposes two APIs for automation. The XML API is the older, comprehensive one, covering configuration, operational commands, commits, logs, reports, User-ID and file transfers. The REST API offers JSON-based access to policies, objects, network and device configuration. Both run over HTTPS on the management interface, or a data interface whose management profile allows HTTPS. Automation matters because it makes repeated changes consistent and lets security tools react faster than a human can.
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