# Standalone API Usage

This section describes the basic structure of a standalone application using the API. See the source referenced in .NET API Examples. Typically, your application takes the following actions:

1. Create an `EDKFactory` instance and use `GetTextExtractionEngine` to construct an `ITextExtractionEngine`.

2. Use the engine `GetSession()` method to create an `ITextExtractionSession`.

3. Add UTF-8 encoded data to the session, for example by using `SetInputStream` or `AddInputText`.

4. Iterate over the session to obtain `IExtractionMatch` results.

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