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

# Versioning

TMDB offers two version of her API: which are version 3 and 4.

## [Version 3](/the-basics/introduction)

* Stability and Coverage: v3 is the stable and widely-used version, providing comprehensive access to TMDB's core features, including data on movies, TV shows, actors, and images.
* Authentication: Utilizes an `ACCESS_TOKEN` or as a `Bearer token` to authorize users.
* Session ID: To generate a session id, you will need a `request token`.
  <Tip>Check the process [here](/the-basics/quickstart#creating-a-session-id-version-3)</Tip>

```shell Version 3 base url theme={null}
   https://api.themoviedb.org/3/
```

## [Version 4](/version-4/documentation/getting)

* Enhanced Features: Introduces **improvements** over v3, notably the enhanced "lists" feature, allowing for more complex and user-specific lists.
* Authentication: Requires a `ACCESS_TOKEN` in the `Authorization` header. This token provides a unified authentication method across both v3 and v4, simplifying the process.
* Session ID: To generate a session id, you will need a `request token` and `access token`.
  <Tip>Check the process [here](/the-basics/quickstart#creating-session-id-version-4)</Tip>

```shell Version 4 base url theme={null}
   https://api.themoviedb.org/4/
```

## Key Differences:

* Lists Functionality: v4 offers a more advanced and flexible lists system compared to v3. If your application heavily relies on creating or managing lists, v4 is recommended.
* Authentication Method: While v3 allows for API key authentication via query parameters, v4 mandates the use of a Bearer token.