# Getting started

## 1. Create an API key

In the Parity app, open the profile menu and choose **Builder Keys**, then create a key. The key (`sk_live_…`) is shown once: store it somewhere safe.

A key acts as your account, so keep it secret. It works until you revoke it under **Builder Keys**.

## 2. Authenticate

Send the key as a bearer token on every request and stream connection:

```http
Authorization: Bearer sk_live_…
```

Check the key works:

```sh
curl -H "Authorization: Bearer $PARITY_BUILDER_KEY" https://api.predictparity.com/api/me
```

A missing or invalid key gets a `401`.

## 3. Connect

To receive your account's events, connect to the [stream](https://predictparity.com/docs/api/stream).

Source: https://predictparity.com/docs/api/getting-started