> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://scalehousesystems.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# API Authentication

> Authenticate with the ScaleHouse API

## Overview

The ScaleHouse API uses API keys for authentication. Include your API key in the `Authorization` header of each request.

## Getting an API Key

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to Settings">
    Go to **Settings → API Keys** in your dashboard.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create Key">
    Click **"Create API Key"** and give it a name.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Copy Key">
    Copy the API key immediately - it won't be shown again.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Using API Keys

Include your API key in the `Authorization` header:

```bash theme={null}
curl -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  https://api.scalehousesystems.com/v1/connectors
```

## Security Best Practices

<Warning>
  Never commit API keys to version control. Use environment variables instead.
</Warning>

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Environment Variables" icon="code">
    Store keys in environment variables
  </Card>

  <Card title="Rotate Regularly" icon="refresh">
    Rotate keys periodically
  </Card>

  <Card title="Scope Access" icon="lock">
    Use keys with minimal required permissions
  </Card>

  <Card title="Revoke When Needed" icon="x-circle">
    Revoke compromised keys immediately
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Connectors API" icon="plug" href="/docs/docs/api-reference/connectors">
    Connector API endpoints
  </Card>

  <Card title="Ingestion API" icon="upload" href="/docs/docs/api-reference/ingestion">
    Ingest audit events
  </Card>
</CardGroup>