An application programming interface key is a unique identifier used to authenticate a user, developer, or calling program to an API. However, they are typically used to authenticate a project with the API rather than a human user. Different platforms may implement and use API keys in different ways.
What is an API key used for?
API keys provide project authorization
They are generated on the project making the call, and you can restrict their use to an environment such as an IP address range, or an Android or iOS app. By identifying the calling project, you can use API keys to associate usage information with that project.
How do I get an API key?
Get the API key
- Go to the Google Cloud Console.
- Click the project drop-down and select or create the project for which you want to add an API key.
- Click the menu button and select Google Maps Platform > Credentials.
- On the Credentials page, click + Create Credentials > API key. ...
- Click Close.
