Authentication

All requests to TheRPC API require authentication using an API key. This guide explains how to obtain and use your API key securely.

# Getting an API Key

1. Sign up at TheRPC.io
2. Navigate to the Dashboard
3. Go to API Keys section
4. Generate a new API key

# Using Your API Key

HTTP Headers

Include your API key in every request using the Bearer authentication scheme:

Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY

Example Requests

Using curl:

curl --request POST 'YOUR_API_ENDPOINT' \
  --header 'Content-Type: application/json' \
  --header 'Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY' \
  --data '{
    "jsonrpc": "2.0",
    "method": "eth_blockNumber",
    "params": [],
    "id": 1
  }'

Using JavaScript:

const response = await fetch('YOUR_API_ENDPOINT', {
	method: 'POST',
	headers: {
		'Content-Type': 'application/json',
		Authorization: `Bearer ${API_KEY}`,
	},
	body: JSON.stringify({
		jsonrpc: '2.0',
		method: 'eth_blockNumber',
		params: [],
		id: 1,
	}),
});

# Security Best Practices

1. Keep Keys Secret

• Never commit API keys to source control
• Don't share keys in public forums
• Use environment variables or secure vaults

2. Key Rotation

• Rotate keys periodically
• Immediately revoke compromised keys
• Use different keys for different environments

3. Access Control

• Use separate keys for different applications
• Monitor key usage through dashboard
• Implement proper key management

# Error Handling

Common authentication errors:

{
	"jsonrpc": "2.0",
	"error": {
		"code": -32001,
		"message": "Invalid authentication credentials"
	},
	"id": 1
}

• Missing API key
• Invalid API key format
• Expired or revoked key
• Rate limit exceeded

# Environment Setup

Environment Variables

# .env file
THERPC_API_KEY=your_api_key_here

Configuration Examples

Node.js:

require('dotenv').config();
const API_KEY = process.env.THERPC_API_KEY;

Python:

import os
from dotenv import load_dotenv

load_dotenv()
API_KEY = os.getenv('THERPC_API_KEY')

See also

• Rate Limits - Understand Usage Quotas
• Quick Start Guide - Basic Implementation
• Basic Operations - Common Operations
• FAQ - Common Questions and Answers