# Your first request

Connect an application to the models available through your The-Code account.

## 1. Create an account and a key

[Get started](https://thecodeapi.com/get-started) opens our hosted account flow. Already have an account? [Sign in](https://thecodeapi.com/auth/login), then open [Dashboard → API keys](https://thecodeapi.com/dashboard?tab=keys).

Create a named key, copy it when it is displayed, and store it in your application's server environment as `THE_CODE_API_KEY`. Keep it out of browser code, source control, and chat messages. Keys belong to your account; your enabled models and wallet determine what they can use.

## 2. Set the base URL

For OpenAI-compatible SDKs:

```text
https://api.thecodeapi.com/v1
```

For raw HTTP calls, use the API origin `https://api.thecodeapi.com` and the full endpoint path, such as `/v1/chat/completions`. Add `/v1` only once.

## 3. Discover your models

```bash
curl https://api.thecodeapi.com/v1/models \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $THE_CODE_API_KEY"
```

Choose an exact returned `id` with the `chat` capability and store it as `THE_CODE_MODEL`. The response also describes model limits and supported request parameters. If no suitable model appears, check your enabled models in the dashboard or contact support. Never assume a model is available because it appears in an upstream provider's catalog.

## 4. Make a request

Check your wallet balance first. Inference uses credits; there is no implied free request. Install the OpenAI SDK for your language (`pip install openai` or `npm install openai`) and use the examples below. Set an output limit appropriate for the selected model and task.

The non-streaming chat response contains `choices`, with generated text typically in `choices[0].message.content`, and usage information. Tool-calling responses can contain tool calls instead of text. See [streaming](https://thecodeapi.com/docs/streaming) and [errors](https://thecodeapi.com/docs/errors) before putting an integration into production.

Need help? [Support@the-code.org](mailto:Support@the-code.org).