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138 changes: 138 additions & 0 deletions docs/Getting Started Guide.md
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# Getting Started Guide

This guide provides a quick and easy way to start using our API. It's designed to help new users get up and running with minimal friction.

**Target Audience:** Developers, New Users

## Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

* **An API Key:** You'll need a valid API key to authenticate your requests. You can obtain one by [registering for an account](link-to-registration).
* **A Development Environment:** Choose your preferred programming language and development environment (e.g., Python, JavaScript, cURL).
* **Basic Programming Knowledge:** Familiarity with making HTTP requests and handling JSON responses is recommended.

## Installation

The API is accessible over HTTP(S), so no specific installation is required. However, depending on your chosen language, you might need to install libraries for making HTTP requests and handling JSON data.

**Example (Python):**

```bash
pip install requests
```

**Example (JavaScript/Node.js):**

```bash
npm install node-fetch
```

## Basic Usage

The API follows a RESTful architecture. You'll interact with it by sending HTTP requests to specific endpoints. Each endpoint performs a specific action.

* **Authentication:** Most endpoints require authentication using your API key. This is typically done by including the API key in the `Authorization` header.
* **Request Methods:** The API uses standard HTTP methods like `GET`, `POST`, `PUT`, and `DELETE`.
* **Data Format:** Requests and responses are typically formatted as JSON.

## First API Call

Let's make a simple API call to check the API status using the `/status` endpoint. This endpoint doesn't require authentication.

**cURL Example:**

```bash
curl https://api.example.com/status
```

**Python Example:**

```python
import requests

url = "https://api.example.com/status"

try:
response = requests.get(url)
response.raise_for_status() # Raise HTTPError for bad responses (4xx or 5xx)
data = response.json()
print(data)
except requests.exceptions.RequestException as e:
print(f"Error: {e}")
```

**Expected Response (Example):**

```json
{
"status": "ok",
"version": "1.0.0",
"uptime": "2 days"
}
```

If you receive a similar response, congratulations! You've successfully made your first API call.

## Authentication

Now, let's try an endpoint that requires authentication. We'll use the `/auth/token` endpoint (hypothetically) to refresh our token. This example assumes you have a refresh token.

**cURL Example:**

```bash
curl -X POST \
https://api.example.com/auth/token \
-H 'Content-Type: application/json' \
-H 'Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY' \
-d '{
"refresh_token": "YOUR_REFRESH_TOKEN"
}'
```

**Python Example:**

```python
import requests
import json

url = "https://api.example.com/auth/token"
headers = {
"Content-Type": "application/json",
"Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"
}
data = {
"refresh_token": "YOUR_REFRESH_TOKEN"
}

try:
response = requests.post(url, headers=headers, data=json.dumps(data))
response.raise_for_status()
data = response.json()
print(data)
except requests.exceptions.RequestException as e:
print(f"Error: {e}")
```

**Important Notes:**

* Replace `YOUR_API_KEY` with your actual API key.
* Replace `YOUR_REFRESH_TOKEN` with your actual refresh token.
* The specific parameters required by the `/auth/token` endpoint may vary. Refer to the API reference for details.

**Example Successful Response:**

```json
{
"access_token": "NEW_ACCESS_TOKEN",
"expires_in": 3600
}
```

## Next Steps

* Explore the complete API reference to discover all available endpoints and their functionalities.
* Review the rate limiting policies to avoid being throttled.
* Check out the troubleshooting guide for common issues and solutions.
* Join our community forum to ask questions and connect with other developers.