# About the GoDaddy CLI (https://docs.developer.commerce.godaddy.com/en/docs/api-users/cli)

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title: About the GoDaddy CLI
description: What the gddy CLI covers, how it authenticates, and how it relates to the agent skill and the MCP server.
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## Overview

`gddy` is the GoDaddy command-line interface for domain and DNS operations. Install it once and use it from the terminal, or hand it off to an AI coding agent.

## Choose your guide

Start with the guide that matches what you want to do:

| Goal                                               | Start here                                     |
| -------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| Install `gddy`, authenticate, or make a first call | [Set up the CLI](https://docs.developer.commerce.godaddy.com/docs/api-users/cli/set-up)   |
| Look up a command, option, or output format        | [CLI reference](https://docs.developer.commerce.godaddy.com/docs/api-users/cli/reference) |

The `gddy` CLI covers domain search, purchase, list, and DNS management:

* Search for available domains, get suggestions, and get price quotes
* Register a domain (quote, then purchase; this charges the account)
* List domains on the authenticated account
* Add, replace, or delete DNS records
* Add a payment method, which domain purchase requires
* Hand off those same operations to an AI coding agent

Domain forwarding, registry lock, renewals, and contact updates aren't in the CLI yet. Use the REST API for those operations.

Go to [Set up the CLI](https://docs.developer.commerce.godaddy.com/docs/api-users/cli/set-up) to install `gddy` and make a first call. Use [CLI reference](https://docs.developer.commerce.godaddy.com/docs/api-users/cli/reference) when you need command details.

## CLI, agent skill, MCP server, and REST API

| Tool                                                      | What it does                                                                           | Account required? | Write access? |
| --------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------- | ------------- |
| `gddy` CLI                                                | Install locally. Search, purchase, and manage domains and DNS from the terminal.       | Yes               | Yes           |
| [Agent skill for `gddy`](https://docs.developer.commerce.godaddy.com/docs/api-users/cli/agent-skill) | Runs `gddy` on your behalf inside an AI coding agent using your authenticated session. | Yes               | Yes           |
| [GoDaddy MCP server](https://docs.developer.commerce.godaddy.com/docs/api-users/mcp)                 | Hosted, read-only domain search and availability. No install.                          | No                | No            |
| [REST API](https://docs.developer.commerce.godaddy.com/docs/references/rest)                         | Direct API calls — full read/write access to domains, DNS, and more.                   | Yes               | Yes           |

## Related

* [Set up the CLI](https://docs.developer.commerce.godaddy.com/docs/api-users/cli/set-up)
* [CLI reference](https://docs.developer.commerce.godaddy.com/docs/api-users/cli/reference)
* [Agent skill for `gddy`](https://docs.developer.commerce.godaddy.com/docs/api-users/cli/agent-skill)
* [GoDaddy MCP server](https://docs.developer.commerce.godaddy.com/docs/api-users/mcp)
* [Payment profile](https://docs.developer.commerce.godaddy.com/docs/api-users/payment-profile) (required for domain purchase)
* [Authenticate](https://docs.developer.commerce.godaddy.com/docs/api-users/auth)