> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.digitalsamba.com/dashboard/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.digitalsamba.com/dashboard/getting-started/authenticate-to-the-api.md).
# Authenticate to the API
When integrating Digital Samba Embedded you will most likely use the developer [REST API](https://docs.digitalsamba.com/rest-api).
To make requests to it you need to authenticate with your **developer key** and **team id**. They can be found in the [dashboard team](https://dashboard.digitalsamba.com/team) section after you sign up.
Team section in your dashboard including developer key and team id
Include an **Authorization** http header with your team id and developer key separated by colon and then **base64** encode the concatenated string. To make an analogy - you can think of **team id** as a username and **developerKey** as a password.
Both Bearer and Basic Authentication tokens are supported.\
\&#xNAN;**`Authorization: Bearer base64(teamId:developerKey)`**\
and\
\&#xNAN;**`Authorization: Basic base64(teamId:developerKey)`**
{% hint style="warning" %}
Never expose your **developer key** to the outside world or in frontend code. Its role is similar to a password, so protect it with care the same way you are protecting your passwords and other secrets. If you think your developer key has leaked or has been breached you can always regenerate it in our dashboard from the team section.
{% endhint %}
---
# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.
## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:
```
GET https://docs.digitalsamba.com/dashboard/getting-started/authenticate-to-the-api.md?ask=&goal=
```
`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.