---
title: Get started
slug: graph/docs/Qn1G-get-started
docTags: 
createdAt: 2026-07-30T20:30:18.888Z
---

:::hint{type="info"}
**Note**
Optimizely Graph .NET Source SDK is optimized for CMS 12. Learn more about the [C# SDK for CMS 13](docId\:ZQSzbbACAIXmzMLIe4NIk).
:::

Optimizely Graph .NET Source SDK streamlines the configuration and setup process of Optimizely Graph for developers. The SDK serves as a C# wrapper around the [Optimizely Graph API](docId:5jqdtoc_dsrWd9CV-sM2p) and abstracts the details of API communication and data handling. It lets you configure content types, build datasets, and sync content with Optimizely Graph using C#.

The SDK integrates into any .NET back-end application. Push data from external sources to provide a flexible content management solution for all business requirements.

See the [Introducing Optimizely Graph Source .NET SDK](https://world.optimizely.com/blogs/jake-minard/dates/2024/10/introducing-optimizely-graph-source-netsdk/) blog for information.

## Access the SDK

The SDK is open source and available on [GitHub](https://github.com/episerver/graph-source-sdk).

## Configure the client

To begin, initialize a new instance of the `GraphSourceClient` by invoking the static `Create` method. Pass in your base URL, Optimizely Graph source, application key, and secret, as shown in the following code sample:

```csharp
var client = GraphSourceClient.Create(
    new Uri("https://cg.optimizely.com"),
    "SOURCE",
    "APPLICATION_KEY",
    "SECRET"
);
```

How to find your credentials depends on what type of project you have:

- **Development environment or self-hosted CMS** – Optimizely emails your credentials using a one-time secret.
- **Digital Experience Platform (DXP)** – View your credentials in the DXP portal (PaaS portal).
- **CMS (SaaS)** – View your credentials in the Dashboard.

When your client is initialized, configure content types using any C# class object. This integration lets you manage content within your existing application’s codebase.

### Example: cafe menu structure

For example, a cafe needs to configure content for its menu. With the .NET Source SDK, you can model the menu structure using C# classes. The following is a sample class definition for a cafe:

```csharp
public class Cafe
{
    public string Name { get; set; }

    public DateTime Established { get; set; }

    public Location Address { get; set; }

    public Menu Menu { get; set; }
}

public class Location
{
    public string City { get; set; }

    public string State { get; set; }
    
    public string Zipcode { get; set; }

    public string Country { get; set; }  
}

public class Menu
{
    public Beverage Beverage { get; set; }

    public Food Food { get; set; }
}

public class Beverage
{
    public string Name { get; set; }

    public double Price { get; set; }

    public List<string> Sizes { get; set; }

}

public class Food
{
    public string Name { get; set; }

    public double Price { get; set; }

    public bool IsAvailable { get; set; }
}
```

By handling the configuration, the .NET Source SDK lets you focus on building high-performance applications while managing data effectively.

## Next steps

After initializing and configuring your .NET Source SDK, define and manage content types. See [Content types](docId\:sNcLLcLYgWv_QVb0Mtqus) for how to configure content types and use different index types for data retrieval and management.