API Key

An API key is a string that identifies request sources and controls access permissions when calling APIs. Service providers issue keys included in request headers or parameters to track usage and prevent abuse.

API keys are essential for QR code generation APIs. When systems auto-generate QR codes via API, the key authenticates requests and manages plan-based limits, dynamic QR code creation permissions, and analytics data access.

Security requires careful API key management. Keys hardcoded in source code and published to GitHub risk third-party abuse. Store keys in environment variables or secret management services (AWS Secrets Manager, HashiCorp Vault), never in source code.

When selecting QR code generation APIs, evaluate key management ease: one-click reissuance, granular per-key permissions (read-only, generation-only), and flexible rate limiting.