Getting an API key is an important first step before you can start using many web APIs. API keys serve as a simple identifier that lets the API provider know who is accessing the API. Think of an API key like a username or password that you use to access the API. In this article, we’ll walk through what API keys are, why they’re used, and step-by-step how to get an API key for some popular web APIs.
What is an API Key?
An API key is a unique identifier that is used to authenticate a user or application accessing an API. It acts like a password that proves you have permission to access the API.
Here’s an overview of what API keys are:
- A unique string of letters, numbers, and symbols
- Provided by the API provider when you register
- Included with API requests in the parameters, headers, or request body
- Used to identify the caller and provide access control
- Allows the API provider to monitor usage and prevent abuse
API keys are an easy way to get started with API access management. More robust APIs may also use OAuth 2.0 or other authentication methods in addition to requiring an API key. But for many simple APIs, an API key is sufficient.
When you register for an API key, you typically provide some basic contact information. This allows the API provider to get in touch if there are issues with your usage of the API. Most APIs allow you to generate multiple API keys if needed.
Why Use API Keys?
There are a few key reasons why APIs require an API key:
Access Control
API keys allow the API provider to grant access on a per-developer basis. Rather than leaving the API completely open, requiring an API key means that the provider can control who is able to use the API.
Traffic Monitoring
By requiring an API key, the provider can monitor how heavily each developer is using the API. This helps ensure that no single developer is abusing or spamming the API, which could degrade performance for everyone.
Security
API keys provide a basic level of security. While not as robust as OAuth or other authentication methods, API keys do prevent completely anonymous access to the API. Requiring an API key means each request can be traced back to a specific developer.
Revenue and Usage Tracking
Monitoring API keys allows providers to track usage for billing purposes. API calls can be counted and assigned to the corresponding API key owner. Some APIs even support multiple tiered API keys for different levels of access.
How to Get an API Key
The process for getting an API key will vary a bit depending on the specific API. But in general, here is the process:
1. Find the API Signup Page
Most API providers have a developer portal or signup page where you can register for an API key. This page might be under a link like “Get Started” or “Register”.
For example:
- Google APIs: https://console.cloud.google.com/apis
- Twitter API: https://developer.twitter.com/en/apply-for-access
- OpenWeather API: https://home.openweathermap.org/users/sign_up
2. Create a Developer Account
If you don’t already have an account on the platform, you’ll need to create one. This usually involves providing details like:
- Full name
- Email address
- Company or organization name
- Account username
- Password
Creating an account may also involve agreeing to the API terms of service.
3. Submit Additional Registration Details
Some APIs require additional information like:
- How you intend to use the API
- Your website or app URL
- Business address and phone number
This helps the API provider understand who is using their platform.
4. Verify Your Email Address
Part of the registration process often involves verifying your email address. This confirms that you control the address and adds an extra layer of validation.
Look for a verification or confirmation email, and click the link inside to verify.
5. Generate Your API Keys
Once your developer account is approved, you’ll be able to view and generate API keys. There may be options to:
- Get your default developer key
- Create additional project-specific keys
- Regenerate or revoke old keys
Save these API keys somewhere secure like a password manager. You’ll need them to make API requests.
6. Start Using the API
Now you’re ready to start using the API! Refer to the API documentation on how to properly include your API key in requests.
Some common ways to send an API key include:
- Query string parameter like
?api_key=YOUR_KEY
- Request header like
X-API-Key: YOUR_KEY
- Request body parameter like
{ "api_key": "YOUR_KEY" }
Make sure to keep your API key private and secure. Avoid sharing it publicly or checking it into code repositories.
Example: Getting a Twitter API Key
Let’s walk through a real example of getting an API key for the Twitter API:
1. Go to the Twitter Developer Site
Navigate to https://developer.twitter.com/en/apply-for-access and click “Apply for a developer account”.
2. Fill Out the Registration Form
You’ll need to provide information like:
- Name
- Description of how you plan to use Twitter data
- Website URL
- How you will display your Twitter affiliation
Read through the developer terms and click “Submit application”.
3. Check Your Email for Confirmation
Twitter will send an email to confirm your email address. Click the link inside to confirm.
4. Wait for Approval
It may take a few days for Twitter to review and approve your developer application. You’ll get an email once approved.
5. Generate API Keys
After approval, you can login to your Twitter developer dashboard and generate API keys under the “Keys and Tokens” section.
6. Make API Requests
Use your consumer API key and secret to start making API requests. The key should be sent as the oauth_consumer_key parameter.
That’s it! You now have an official API key for the Twitter API. The full process takes less than 15 minutes.
Best Practices When Using API Keys
Here are some best practices to keep in mind when working with API keys:
Keep Keys Private
Never expose your API keys publicly. Avoid checking them into GitHub repos or other places they could be found.
Use Key Scoping When Available
Some APIs let you create keys with certain permissions or restrictions. Take advantage of key scopes to enhance security.
Regenerate Keys Periodically
Old keys have a higher chance of being compromised. Periodically cycle your API keys to reduce risk.
Track Key Usage
Keep an eye on how your keys are being used for monitoring and auditing purposes.
Limit Requests
Avoid exceeding request rate limits by caching, grouping requests, and monitoring usage.
Use Multiple Keys
Separate keys for development, staging, and production can prevent mixups that lead to issues.
Secure Transmission
Always use HTTPS when transmitting API keys to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks.
API Keys vs OAuth Tokens
API keys provide a simple way to get started with API access control. But they have some downsides compared to more robust OAuth 2.0 authentication:
API Keys
- Simple to implement and use
- Sent with every request
- Managed entirely by API provider
- Limited permissions control
- Harder to revoke selectively
OAuth Tokens
- More involved setup
- Sent less frequently, can be reused
- Third-party token issuers
- Fine-grained access control
- Easier to selectively revoke
For many simple APIs and personal projects, API keys are sufficient. But for more security-sensitive applications, OAuth 2.0 is preferable.
Conclusion
Getting an API key only takes a few simple steps, but opens up access to powerful APIs. Keys allow providers to identify developers and control access. Make sure to store and transmit keys securely. Follow best practices, and consider OAuth 2.0 for more advanced use cases. With an API key in hand, you can start building valuable applications powered by web APIs.