Reference · Glossary
API key
Last updated
A secret string that **authenticates your app** to an AI provider's API — like a password for your project.
When to use
Every server-side call to OpenAI, Anthropic, etc. — loaded from environment variables, not pasted in the browser.
When not to
Never commit keys to Git, client-side JavaScript bundles, or public screenshots.
Example
export OPENAI_API_KEY="sk-..."