> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.base44.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Authentication

> How to authenticate with the Base44 Apps API

All Apps API requests authenticate with a personal API key. Include it in the `api_key` header with every request:

```bash theme={null}
api_key: YOUR_API_KEY
```

A personal API key is tied to your Base44 account. Each endpoint is authorized by your own permissions, so a request only succeeds for an app you can access and an action you are allowed to take. Deploying an app, for example, requires permission to publish it.

## Get your personal API key

Your personal API key is in your Base44 account settings. See [Managing your API key](/documentation/account-and-billing/managing-your-account#managing-your-api-key) for how to view or regenerate it.

<Warning>
  Your personal API key acts as your Base44 account. Treat it like a password, do not share it, and do not commit it to version control.
</Warning>

## Example request

```curl theme={null}
curl --request POST \
  --url https://app.base44.com/api/apps/{app_id}/deploy \
  --header 'api_key: <api_key>' \
  --header 'Content-Type: application/json' \
  --data '{
    "checkpoint_id": "6886b8d390dc7e2f4a2c91b3"
  }'
```

<Note>
  The request body is optional. Omit `checkpoint_id` to deploy the app's current version.
</Note>