title: How to use the Modx Revolution API
body: <p>I have a client who is looking at having some other company develop an iPad application that will pull resources out of their existing modx instance. [no - I don't know why it needs to be an app.... ] </p>
  
  <p>They are looking to use the Modx API, which from what I can tell so far needs to have a connector or something written as it does not "just work" correct? </p>
  
  <p>So basically I need to write a connector that will handle the authentication [API key type idea] and pass all the data back and forth? Looking here: <a href="http://rtfm.modx.com/display/revolution20/Loading+MODx+Externally" rel="nofollow">http://rtfm.modx.com/display/revolution20/Loading+MODx+Externally</a> I see two methods of connecting/using modx - what is the advantage of "loading modx externally" over "Loading modx in api mode" </p>
  
  <p>I found the API documentation easily enough but pretty much ZERO on actually using it. </p>
  
  <p>So:</p>
  
  <ol>
  <li>are there API usage docs anywhere?</li>
  <li>what is the advantages/pro/cons of the load external vs. load as api methods</li>
  <li>are all my assumptions above correct, or did I miss something really basic?</li>
  </ol>