API Key — OpenClaw Glossary
A unique string of characters used to authenticate a user, developer, or calling program to an API (Application Programming Interface). It acts like a secret password for software.
On this page
API key ek secret password ki tarah hai jo do softwares ko aapas mein baat karne ki permission deta hai. OpenClaw ko AI provider (jaise Anthropic ya OpenAI) se connect karne ke liye API key chahiye hoti hai. Is key ke hisaab se hi aapka bill aata hai.
What is an API Key?
An API Key is a long, randomly generated string of characters (e.g., sk-ant-api03-abcdef1234567890...). When a software application (like OpenClaw) makes a request over the internet to a service provider (like Anthropic or OpenAI), it includes the API key in the request.
The provider checks the key to verify who is making the request, ensure they have permission, and track usage for billing purposes.
Why it matters for OpenClaw
OpenClaw is the engine, but the AI model is the brain. To get responses from Claude, GPT, or Gemini, OpenClaw must authenticate with those providers using API keys.
You add these keys to your .env file (e.g., ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=sk-ant-...). Every time your agent answers a message or uses a tool, it consumes credits from your account balance.
Common mistake
Failing to redact keys when asking for help.
When users run into a bug, they often copy-paste their terminal output, logs, or .env file into a public Discord channel, Telegram group, or GitHub issue. If an API key is included in that text, it is instantly compromised.
Fix: Always read your logs before pasting them publicly. Replace sensitive data with XXX or [REDACTED]. If you ever suspect your key has been exposed, go to your AI provider’s dashboard immediately and revoke/delete the key, then generate a new one.
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