> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.dakota.xyz/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Authentication

Dakota Platform uses API key authentication for secure access to our endpoints. This section covers everything you need to know about authenticating with the Dakota Platform API.

# Overview

The Dakota Platform API requires API key authentication for all requests. You'll need to:

1. **Get your API key** from the Dakota Platform dashboard
2. **Include proper headers** in your requests
3. **Follow security best practices** to keep your integration secure

# What's Covered

This authentication guide is organized into the following sections:

* **[API Keys & Headers](/documentation/authentication/api-keys-headers)** - How to get API keys, required headers, and request examples
* **[Security](/documentation/authentication/security)** - Best practices for secure API key management
* **[Troubleshooting](/documentation/authentication/troubleshooting)** - Common errors and how to resolve them

# Quick Start

For a complete quick start guide including your first API call, see our [Getting Started](/) guide.