Definition
Software uses an API key to access a service. A workflow might use one to call a language model. The provider records and bills usage against the key.
What it means for you
If you prefer, we manage your account with the AI provider (An AI provider runs language models and sells access to them, for example OpenAI (ChatGPT), Anthropic (Claude) or Google (Gemini).) or provide API keys where the provider’s licence allows it. We invoice you for the cost.
API keys and other credentials do not belong in chats. We store them, for example, in 1Password (A password manager such as 1Password stores passwords and other credentials encrypted in one place.) or a designated local file.
Where the term comes up
- FAQ: What might I pay for after setup?
- FAQ: What access do you need for setup, and what happens to it after handover?
