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

# API Key

> How to create and manage Applications and API Keys for Silicon Data APIs

Use an **API Key** (also called an API token) for long-lived API access. An API Key is always bound to an **Application**. Create an Application first, then generate an API Key under that Application.

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## **Core Concepts**

### **Application**

An Application represents your own business application. You choose a unique name and can add an optional description. The application name must be unique across the system.

> **Note:** You must create an **Application** before you can create an **API Key**.

### **API Key (API Token)**

An API Key is a string credential bound to an Application. It is valid for **1 year** and is used for long-term API calls, without requiring repeated login.

Requests should include an Authorization header containing the word `Bearer` followed by the API Key.

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## **Create an Application and API Key**

### **Step 1: Create an Application**

1. Log in to the portal.
2. Open the **Account** page and find the **API Portal** entry.
3. Click to add an Application.
4. Enter a unique application name and a description, then save.

### **Step 2: Generate an API Key**

1. Find the Application you just created.
2. Click the **+** icon next to that Application to generate an API Key.
3. The API Key is valid for **1 year**.

### **Step 3: Download the Credential**

1. Download the credential file.
2. Retrieve the string key and use it as the Bearer token when calling Silicon Data APIs.

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## **Delete an Application and API Key**

### **Step 1: Delete API Keys**

Delete all API Keys under the Application first.

### **Step 2: Delete the Application**

After all keys under the Application have been removed, you can delete the Application.

> **Note:** An Application cannot be deleted until all of its API Keys have been cleared.

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## **If an API Key Is Leaked**

1. Delete the compromised API Key.
2. Create a new API Key under the same Application.
3. Update your integrations to use the new key.

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## **Contact and Support**

For additional information or technical support, please contact:

* **Email**: [support@silicondata.com](mailto:support@silicondata.com)