API Authentication Best Practices

When integrating with any API, including our Screenshot API, security should be a top priority. Proper authentication not only protects your account but also ensures the integrity of your application.

Understanding API Keys

API keys are the most common form of authentication for our Screenshot API. Think of them as digital passwords that grant access to our services. Here's how to handle them properly:

• Never expose your API keys: Keep them out of client-side code, public repositories, or any place where they might be visible to others
• Use environment variables: Store API keys in environment variables rather than hardcoding them
• Implement key rotation: Regularly update your API keys to minimize risk

Bearer Token Authentication

Our API supports Bearer token authentication, which provides an additional layer of security:

01fetch('https://api.screenshotapi.com/capture', {
02  method: 'POST',
03  headers: {
04    'Content-Type': 'application/json',
05    'Authorization': 'Bearer YOUR_API_KEY'
06  },
07  body: JSON.stringify({
08    url: 'https://example.com'
09  })
10})

Implementing Rate Limiting

To protect against abuse, implement rate limiting in your applications:

1. Cache responses when appropriate
2. Implement exponential backoff for retries
3. Monitor API usage to detect unusual patterns

By following these best practices, you'll ensure your Screenshot API integration remains secure and reliable for your users.