Software delivery & architecture · Core

API key

Also called: application key

ELI5

A secret code allowing software to use an API.

Used in conversation

“Never place the API key in public client code.”

Definition

A credential used to identify or authorise an application calling an API.

Here “API key” means: A credential used to identify or authorise an application calling an API.

Pitch context

You will see “API key” in product strategy decks, roadmaps, experiments and architecture reviews when the discussion reaches software delivery & architecture.

Why it matters: It helps a reader interpret software delivery & architecture without confusing the measure, decision, role or evidence being discussed.

Sources & evidence · 2

Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.

National Institute of Standards and Technology — Computer Security Resource Center GlossaryDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
Scrum Guides — The Scrum Guide — official current versionSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16