How does a developer authenticate requests to the Claude API?
Select an answer to reveal the explanation.
Short Explanation
The Claude API uses a simple API key in the request header — like a VIP badge you show at the door. Keep it secret, keep it safe.
Full Explanation
The Anthropic API authenticates requests via an API key passed in the 'x-api-key' HTTP header. Developers obtain this key from the Anthropic Console. The key identifies the account and is used for rate limiting and billing. Option A (username/password) describes basic HTTP authentication, not used here. Option C (OAuth 2.0) is a different auth protocol used by some APIs but not the Anthropic API's primary auth method. Option D is wrong — all API requests require authentication; unauthenticated requests return 401 errors.