How to use the handle / EPIC system?

There are several ways to use the handle / EPIC system.

Always make sure to use the right port! For test prefixes use port 8003 and for production prefixes use port 8000 up to 8007, depending on what has been communicated to you.

Handle HTTP JSON REST API

SURF uses the handle HTTP JSON REST API to mint handles. This means to create, read, update or delete handles. This API is described in the Handle Tech Manual in chapter 14. We have separate info pages about bash and python implementations of using the Handle HTTP JSON REST API:
See Handle HTTP JSON REST API using bash for a bash implementation.
See Handle HTTP JSON REST API using PHP for a PHP implementation.
See Handle HTTP JSON REST API using Python for a Python implementation.
See Handle HTTP JSON REST API in Windows command prompt for a Windows implementation.

HTTP reverse lookup API

SURF supports searching the handle database for items in handles for handle administrators. We call this a reverse lookup.
See Handle reverse lookup

Bulk upload

SURF supports using the handle tools for an initial bulk upload. And only for an initial upload! This is described in the Handle Tech Manual in chapter 4.
See Handle initial bulk upload using hdl-genericbatch