---
type: api
title: Get the features
description: Get a list of features that can be included in snapshots using the `feature_states` field when creating a snapshot.
url: https://www.elastic.co/elastic/docs-builder/docs/4371/api/doc/elasticsearch/v9/operation/operation-features-get-features
resource: https://www.elastic.co/elastic/docs-builder/docs/4371/api/doc/elasticsearch/v9/operation/operation-features-get-features
products:
  - Elasticsearch
---

# Get the features

Availability: 7.12+

## Paths

- `GET` `/_features`

- [Api key auth](/elastic/docs-builder/docs/4371/api/doc/elasticsearch/v9/authentication#apikeyauth)
- [Basic auth](/elastic/docs-builder/docs/4371/api/doc/elasticsearch/v9/authentication#basicauth)
- [Bearer auth](/elastic/docs-builder/docs/4371/api/doc/elasticsearch/v9/authentication#bearerauth)

## Description

Get a list of features that can be included in snapshots using the `feature_states` field when creating a snapshot.
You can use this API to determine which feature states to include when taking a snapshot.
By default, all feature states are included in a snapshot if that snapshot includes the global state, or none if it does not.

A feature state includes one or more system indices necessary for a given feature to function.
In order to ensure data integrity, all system indices that comprise a feature state are snapshotted and restored together.

The features listed by this API are a combination of built-in features and features defined by plugins.
In order for a feature state to be listed in this API and recognized as a valid feature state by the create snapshot API, the plugin that defines that feature must be installed on the master node.

[More about managing snapshots](https://www.elastic.co/docs/deploy-manage/tools/snapshot-and-restore/create-snapshots)

## Query String Parameters

- `master_timeout` (string Duration · default: 30s)
  Period to wait for a connection to the master node.

## Response

`application/json`

- `features` ([] Feature)
  - `name` (string)
  - `description` (string)
## Code Examples

#### Console

```console
GET _features
```

#### JavaScript

```javascript
const response = await client.features.getFeatures();
```

#### Python

```python
resp = client.features.get_features()
```

#### curl

```curl
curl -X GET "$ELASTICSEARCH_URL/_features" \
  -H "Authorization: ApiKey $ELASTIC_API_KEY"
```

#### Java

```java
client.features().getFeatures(g -> g);
```

#### C#

```c#
var response = await client.Features.GetFeaturesAsync();
```

#### PHP

```php
$resp = $client->features()->getFeatures();
```

#### Ruby

```ruby
response = client.features.get_features
```

## Response Examples

#### Get features response example1

A successful response for retrieving a list of feature states that can be included when taking a snapshot.

```json
{
  "features": [
    {
      "name": "tasks",
      "description": "Manages task results"
    },
    {
      "name": "kibana",
      "description": "Manages Kibana configuration and reports"
    }
  ]
}
```