How to authenticate using API Key in cURL

API key is a simple method used by web services to identify clients. They control access to APIs and are also used to limit usage, track how the API is being used, and prevent malicious use. They are passed as a header in HTTP requests or as a query parameter in the URL.

The API key is passed every time a request is made to the API. cURL supports including API keys in requests both as a header and as a query parameter. Its ease of use and flexibility make it a popular choice for interacting with web services that require authentication.

API keys are sensitive information. While you can include them directly in your cURL commands, you can also use environment variables by storing and referencing the key in your commands. This helps keep the key out of command history and scripts and makes it easier to remove or overwrite it after use securely.

1. Open the terminal.
2. Create a cURL request and include the API key in the header.

   $ curl -H "Authorization: ApiKey YOUR_API_KEY" https://www.example.com/api/data

   Replace YOUR_API_KEY with your actual API key. The -H or --header option is used to include additional headers in the request.

3. Alternatively, include the API key as a query parameter in the URL.

   $ curl https://www.example.com/api/data?api_key=YOUR_API_KEY

   This method appends the API key directly to the request URL. Use this approach if the API specifically requires it.

4. Use environment variables to store and reference the API key in your commands.

   $ export API_KEY="YOUR_API_KEY"

   $ curl -H "Authorization: ApiKey $API_KEY" https://www.example.com/api/data

   Storing the API key in an environment variable helps keep it out of command history and scripts.

5. Verify the response to ensure the API key was accepted and authentication was successful.

   $ curl -H "Authorization: ApiKey YOUR_API_KEY" https://www.example.com/api/data -v 2>&1 | grep '^>'

   Use the -v or --verbose parameter to display detailed information about the request and the server's response, which includes whether the API key was successfully recognized.

6. Handle any errors or access denials by reviewing the response codes and messages.

   $ curl -H "Authorization: ApiKey YOUR_API_KEY" https://www.example.com/api/data -v 2>&1 | grep '^<' 

   HTTP status codes like 401 Unauthorized or 403 Forbidden indicate issues with the API key or permissions.

7. Securely remove or overwrite the environment variable containing the API key after use.

   $ unset API_KEY

   Always ensure the security of your API key to prevent unauthorized access to the API.