# Authentication

All BlueGamma API requests require authentication using an API key provided by our team.

***

### Getting an API Key

API keys are issued by the BlueGamma team. To request access:

1. **Contact us** at <support@bluegamma.io>
2. **Book a demo** at [bluegamma.io](https://app.lemcal.com/@alivohra/website-demo?back=1)

We'll set you up with a key and help you get started quickly.

***

### Using Your API Key

Include your API key in the `x-api-key` header with every request:

```bash
curl -X GET "https://api.bluegamma.io/v1/swap_rate?index=SOFR&start_date=0D&maturity_date=5Y&fixed_leg_frequency=6M" \
  -H "x-api-key: your_api_key_here"
```

***

### Example Requests

**Python:**

```python
import requests

headers = {
    "x-api-key": "your_api_key_here"
}

response = requests.get(
    "https://api.bluegamma.io/v1/swap_rate",
    params={"index": "SOFR", "start_date": "0D", "maturity_date": "5Y", "fixed_leg_frequency": "6M"},
    headers=headers
)

print(response.json())
```

**JavaScript:**

```javascript
const response = await fetch(
  "https://api.bluegamma.io/v1/swap_rate?index=SOFR&start_date=0D&maturity_date=5Y&fixed_leg_frequency=6M",
  {
    headers: {
      "x-api-key": "your_api_key_here"
    }
  }
);

const data = await response.json();
console.log(data);
```

***

### Error Responses

| Status Code | Meaning                                                                                 |
| ----------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `403`       | Missing or invalid API key — check your `x-api-key` header                              |
| `429`       | Rate limit exceeded — see [Rate Limits](/documentation/integrations/api/rate-limits.md) |

***

### Security Best Practices

* **Keep your API key secret** — Don't commit it to version control or expose it in client-side code
* **Use environment variables** — Store your key in environment variables rather than hardcoding
* **Rotate if compromised** — Contact us immediately if you suspect your key has been exposed

```bash
# Store in environment variable
export BLUEGAMMA_API_KEY="your_api_key_here"
```

```python
import os

api_key = os.environ.get("BLUEGAMMA_API_KEY")
```

***

### Need Help?

If you're having trouble authenticating or need a new API key:

* **Email:** <support@bluegamma.io>
* **Book a call:** [Schedule here](https://app.lemcal.com/@alivohra/website-demo?back=1)


---

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