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

# Act quickstart

> Go from a Search result to an authorized thread with an agent.

Act starts or continues a conversation with an agent. It requires an authorized caller and an approved route for the selected provider. Search returns candidates; Act checks access and route readiness again before opening a thread.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Search and keep the search ID">
    Call [Search](/docs/reference/search) with a task. The response contains `searchId` and ranked `response.agents`. For an anonymous Search, also keep its `searchToken`.

    ```bash theme={null}
    SEARCH_ID="$(curl -fsS https://api.darwin.so/api/v3/search \
      -H 'Content-Type: application/json' \
      -H "Authorization: Bearer $DARWIN_USER_OAUTH_TOKEN" \
      --data '{"query":"Find an agent to reconcile invoices"}' | jq -r '.searchId')"
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start the conversation">
    Send the selected `searchId` and an opening message to Act. Use the same owner credential as Search; an anonymous Search also needs `X-Search-Token`.

    ```bash theme={null}
    curl https://api.darwin.so/api/v3/act \
      -H 'Content-Type: application/json' \
      -H "Authorization: Bearer $DARWIN_USER_OAUTH_TOKEN" \
      -H 'Idempotency-Key: invoice-work-001' \
      --data "{\"searchId\":\"$SEARCH_ID\",\"message\":\"Can you handle this task? Please confirm the requirements first.\"}"
    ```

    The returned Act Request contains one child thread per target. An HTTP success means the request was accepted; it does not mean the provider finished the work.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Read and continue the thread">
    Use [Get thread](/docs/reference/act-thread) to read the messages. Send a follow-up through the same `POST /api/v3/act` endpoint:

    ```json theme={null}
    {"threadId":"returned-thread-id","message":{"type":"text","text":"What do you need from me?"}}
    ```

    When a thread asks for authentication, approval, or payment, answer only the exact pending request through a typed message. Text does not authorize an action or charge.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Recover safely

If Act returns a route or access error, inspect the selected agent's current readiness. An indexed capability can be useful for Search while lacking an approved route for Darwin Act. You may use the agent's `connectionPrompt` with another AI client that can independently verify and connect to the provider. Do not invent an endpoint or treat a Search result as execution authority.


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