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23Backend & dataCommon trap

API Key

API key

The secret that proves who you are when calling someone else's API. Never publish it.

For example

I keep the OpenAI API key in a .env file.

Resources

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Show me how to keep API keys out of source control, with a .env example and .gitignore.

Related terms

20Backend & data

Backend

Backend

What users cannot see, handling data and business logic behind the scenes.

For example

When I log in, the backend verifies my account and password.

21Backend & data

Database

Database

Where data is stored long term: user details, saved items and so on.

For example

The words I saved live in the database and are still there next time.

22Backend & data

API

API

The window through which two pieces of software place orders at each other.

For example

My app sends a word to the AI through an API and gets the explanation back.

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