# Quickstart

> Make a key, call the API and read your first coin.


## 1. Make a key

Open [API keys](/developers/api-keys) and press **Create key**. A key that reads data needs no sign-in and works right away. It is shown once, so copy it.

## 2. Call the API

Send the key in a header on every call. Everything answers JSON.

```bash cURL
curl -H "Authorization: Bearer pd_YOUR_KEY" "https://payday.direct/api/v1/coins?status=graduated&limit=5"
```
```javascript JavaScript
const res = await fetch("https://payday.direct/api/v1/coins?status=graduated&limit=5", {
  headers: { Authorization: "Bearer " + process.env.PAYDAY_KEY },
});
const { data, next_cursor } = await res.json();
console.log(data.map((c) => c.symbol), next_cursor);
```
```python Python
import os, requests
r = requests.get("https://payday.direct/api/v1/coins", params={"status": "graduated", "limit": 5},
                 headers={"Authorization": "Bearer " + os.environ["PAYDAY_KEY"]})
r.raise_for_status()
print([c["symbol"] for c in r.json()["data"]])
```

## 3. Read one coin and the account it pays

```bash
curl -H "X-API-Key: pd_YOUR_KEY" https://payday.direct/api/v1/coins/MINT_ADDRESS
curl -H "X-API-Key: pd_YOUR_KEY" https://payday.direct/api/v1/accounts/examplehandle
```

## Next

- [Which coins are Payday's](/developers/guides/registry): follow the registry instead of polling `/coins`.
- [Errors](/developers/principles/errors) and [rate limits](/developers/principles/rate-limits): what to retry and when.
- [Launch a coin](/developers/guides/launch-solana): needs a key made while signed in, with launching switched on.