---
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/4493/api/doc/elasticsearch/v8/operation/operation-features-get-features
resource: https://www.elastic.co/elastic/docs-builder/docs/4493/api/doc/elasticsearch/v8/operation/operation-features-get-features
products:
  - Elasticsearch
---

# Get the features

Availability: Generally available since 7.12

## Paths

- `GET` `/_features`

## 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.

[Read the reference documentation](https://www.elastic.co/guide/en/elasticsearch/reference/8.19/snapshots-take-snapshot.html)

## Authentication

- Api key: `Authorization: <value>`
  Elasticsearch APIs support key-based authentication.
  You must create an API key and use the encoded value in the request header.
  For example:
  
  
  ```
  curl -X GET "${ES_URL}/_cat/indices?v=true" \
    -H "Authorization: ApiKey ${API_KEY}"
  ```
  
  To get API keys, use the `/_security/api_key` APIs.
- Basic: `Authorization: Basic <credentials>`
- Bearer: `Authorization: Bearer <token>`
  Elasticsearch APIs support the use of bearer tokens in the `Authorization` HTTP header to authenticate with the API.
  For examples, refer to [Token-based authentication services](https://www.elastic.co/guide/en/elasticsearch/reference/current/token-authentication-services.html)

## Query string parameters

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

## Response

`application/json`

- `features` (object[])
  - `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"
    }
  ]
}
```