How does a developer authenticate requests to the Claude API?
Select an answer to reveal the explanation.
Short Explanation and Infographic
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 below image
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.