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API Key

Security

Authorization Rate Limiting Access Control

A secret code that lets a program use an API.

Definition

An API key is a secret string that identifies a program and lets it call an API.

In plain English A secret code that lets a program use an API.

Why this matters

Why it matters: If it leaks, someone can use the service as you (and sometimes access data).

Example

Example: A map app uses an API key to request map tiles from a provider.