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

# Authentication

> Authenticate with the Stride Agents API

## API Keys

All API requests require authentication via an API key. You can create and manage API keys from your [dashboard](https://app.strideagents.com).

### Using your API key

Pass your API key in the `Authorization` header as a Bearer token:

```bash theme={null}
curl https://api.strideagents.com/v1/agent \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer sk_your_api_key"
```

Alternatively, you can use the `X-API-Key` header:

```bash theme={null}
curl https://api.strideagents.com/v1/agent \
  -H "X-API-Key: sk_your_api_key"
```

### Base URL

All API endpoints are available at:

```
https://api.strideagents.com/v1
```

<Warning>
  Keep your API keys secure. Do not share them in publicly accessible areas such as GitHub, client-side code, or public repositories.
</Warning>

## Rate Limits

API requests are rate limited per API key. If you exceed the rate limit, you'll receive a `429 Too Many Requests` response.

## Errors

The API uses standard HTTP status codes:

| Status Code | Description                                       |
| ----------- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| `200`       | Success                                           |
| `201`       | Created                                           |
| `400`       | Bad Request — invalid parameters                  |
| `401`       | Unauthorized — invalid or missing API key         |
| `402`       | Payment Required — insufficient credits           |
| `404`       | Not Found — resource doesn't exist                |
| `422`       | Validation Error — request body failed validation |
| `429`       | Too Many Requests — rate limited                  |
| `500`       | Internal Server Error                             |