# Authentication

All API requests require authentication using API keys.

### API Key Authentication

Drops.bot uses API key authentication to secure access to shared endpoints. Include your API key in the `x-api-key` header with every request.

#### Header Format

```bash
x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY_HERE
```

#### Example Request

```bash
curl -X GET \
  "https://api.drops.bot/v1/shared/v1/airdrops/evm/0x123...abcd" \
  -H "x-api-key: your-secret-api-key" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json"
```

### Obtaining an API Key

To get your API key:

1. **Contact our team** - [Reach out on X](https://x.com/DropsBot) to request access
2. **Specify your use case** - Tell us how you plan to use the API
3. **Receive your key** - We'll provide you with a unique API key
4. **Start building** - Begin making authenticated requests

### API Key Security

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Keep your API key secure:**

* Never expose API keys in client-side code
* Store keys securely in environment variables
  {% endhint %}

#### Environment Variables

Store your API key securely:

```bash
# .env
DROPS_BOT_API_KEY=your-secret-api-key
```

```javascript
// Using the API key in your application
const response = await fetch('https://api.drops.bot/shared/v1/airdrops/evm/0x123...', {
  headers: {
    'x-api-key': process.env.DROPS_BOT_API_KEY,
    'Content-Type': 'application/json'
  }
})
```


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.drops.bot/api-reference/authentication.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.