Each layer has API implications. For now, I'll start with plugin api. Arguments are always passed in keyword style plugins should implement: create(nodes, element, configmanager) retrieve(nodes, element, configmanager) update(nodes, element, configmanager) delete(nodes, element, configmanager) For the element '_console/session', the return should be an object implementing: connect(callback) read() write(data) close() For all other elements for now, the caller should get an iterable. This means a plugin may elect to return a tuple, list, class of their design implementing the iterator interface, or elect to use 'yield' in their function for a generator Northbound of confluent, the interface is straightforward. API is presented as a tree of resources. TLS socket resembles the SMASH CLP syntax, but does not actually implement SMASH CLP. Notably, client should assume case sensitivity, strings can exceed 255 characters, input can be more complex than spec allows, and no relationship to CIM is defined. The SMASH CLP prompt -> is used and the paradigm of navigating targets like a filesystem is used as well as the verb names set, create, start, stop, show, etc. HTTP presents a mostly RESTful interface (noderange, consoles, and optional multi-request, comet behavior)