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Authentication and Access Tokens

This guide covers API authentication methods and token management.

Authentication Methods

API Keys

  • Simple authentication method
  • Key-based access
  • Suitable for server-to-server communication
  • Long-lived credentials

OAuth Tokens

  • Token-based authentication
  • Short-lived access tokens
  • Refresh token support
  • Suitable for user-authorized access

Obtaining Credentials

API Keys

  1. Contact platform administrator
  2. Request API access
  3. Receive API key and secret
  4. Store securely

OAuth Tokens

  1. Register OAuth application
  2. Obtain client ID and secret
  3. Implement OAuth flow
  4. Receive access tokens

Using Credentials

API Key Authentication

Include API key in request headers: 

Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY

OAuth Token Authentication

Include access token in request headers: 

Authorization: Bearer ACCESS_TOKEN

Token Management

Storing Tokens

  • Store securely
  • Never expose in client-side code
  • Use environment variables
  • Rotate regularly

Refreshing Tokens

  • Refresh expired tokens
  • Use refresh token endpoint
  • Handle token expiration
  • Implement retry logic

Security Best Practices

  1. Protect Credentials: Never expose API keys or tokens
  2. Use HTTPS: Always use secure connections
  3. Rotate Keys: Regularly rotate API keys
  4. Monitor Usage: Track API usage for anomalies
  5. Limit Scope: Use minimum required permissions

Next Steps