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

# Platform Overview

> Understand how to integrate with Payfonte using Dashboard, APIs, Webhooks, and hosted checkout flows.

Payfonte gives you multiple integration paths so your team can start quickly, then scale into deeper API control when needed.

## Ecosystem At A Glance

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Dashboard" icon="gauge-high">
    Configure providers, monitor transactions, manage disbursements, and control team access from one place.
  </Card>

  <Card title="APIs and Webhooks" icon="code">
    Build server-to-server payment and disbursement flows with full automation and event callbacks.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Hosted Checkout" icon="window-maximize">
    Send customers to a Payfonte-hosted payment page with local payment methods and minimal integration effort.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## How Developers Use Payfonte

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Start with the Dashboard" icon="rocket" defaultOpen>
    The dashboard is the fastest way to begin. You can create your account, configure collection or disbursement providers, set webhook URLs, and invite teammates with roles and permissions.

    This is ideal when you want to go live quickly without building everything from scratch.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Scale with API Integration" icon="server">
    Payfonte APIs let you control checkout creation, direct charge, transaction verification, disbursements, and wallet operations from your backend.

    Use this path when you need advanced control, custom business logic, or tight integration with your internal systems.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Collect with Hosted Checkout" icon="credit-card">
    Hosted checkout is PCI-friendly and supports multiple African payment methods out of the box. You create a checkout session and redirect your customer to complete payment.

    You can still receive webhook events and reconcile everything through API or dashboard.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Integration Paths

| Path                       | Best For                               | Effort      |
| -------------------------- | -------------------------------------- | ----------- |
| Dashboard-first            | Fast setup and operations              | Low         |
| Hosted checkout + webhooks | Quick launch with async status updates | Low-Medium  |
| Full API integration       | Deep customization and automation      | Medium-High |

## Recommended Rollout

<Steps>
  <Step title="Set up sandbox account">
    Create your account and configure test providers and webhooks in sandbox.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose your collection method">
    Start with hosted checkout or inline flow, then move to direct charge/API where needed.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Implement webhook-driven status updates">
    Treat webhook events as the source of truth for transaction lifecycle updates.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Go live with production credentials">
    Complete KYB, switch base URL and keys, and monitor first live transactions in dashboard.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Where To Go Next

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Getting Started" icon="flag-checkered" href="/en/guides/introductions/getting-started">
    Build your first successful API call.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Collect Payments" icon="credit-card" href="/en/guides/collections/overview">
    Compare inline, standard, and direct charge methods.
  </Card>

  <Card title="API Reference" icon="file-code" href="/en/api-reference/introduction">
    Explore endpoints, schemas, and request examples.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>