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

# Authentication

> How to authenticate with the Chariow API

The Chariow API uses API keys to authenticate requests.

## Creating an API Key

<Steps>
  <Step title="Log in to Dashboard">
    Go to [app.chariow.com](https://app.chariow.com) and log in to your account.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Navigate to Settings">
    Click on **Settings** in the sidebar.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open API Keys">
    Select **API Keys** from the settings menu.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create New Key">
    Click **Create API Key**, give it a descriptive name, and copy the generated key.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  Copy your API key immediately after creation. For security reasons, the full key is only shown once.
</Warning>

## Making Authenticated Requests

Include your API key in the `Authorization` header:

```bash theme={null}
curl -X GET "https://api.chariow.com/v1/store" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"
```

## Security Best Practices

<Warning>
  Never expose your API key in client-side code or public repositories.
</Warning>

* Store keys in environment variables
* Use different keys for development and production
* Rotate keys periodically
* Monitor key usage in your dashboard

## Authentication Errors

| Status | Message              | Cause                            |
| ------ | -------------------- | -------------------------------- |
| 401    | `API key is missing` | Missing Authorization header     |
| 401    | `Invalid API key`    | Key doesn't exist or was revoked |