BuildBeginner35 min read
2. Auth & status codes
API Basics for Non-Developers · 12 pages source format
API keys and tokens prove who you are. Status codes tell what happened.
What you'll learn
- Auth
- Status
Keys are passwords
Never paste keys in public Slack or screenshots. Rotate if leaked.
Do this now
Call a public demo API from Postman/Insomnia/Bruno.
Pro tip. 401 = who are you? 403 = I know you, but no. 404 = missing. 429 = slow down. 5xx = their problem.
Clear?