# Why does Algorand need an API key

**URL:** <https://forum.algorand.co/t/why-does-algorand-need-an-api-key/5142>\
**Category:** General\
**Created:** [November 21, 2021, 10:47am UTC](https://forum.algorand.co/t/why-does-algorand-need-an-api-key/5142 "2021-11-21T10:47:22Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Obi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9a140/32.png) [@Obi](https://forum.algorand.co/u/Obi)\
**Post date:** [November 21, 2021, 10:47am UTC](https://forum.algorand.co/t/why-does-algorand-need-an-api-key/5142/1 "2021-11-21T10:47:22Z")

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Why do Algorand SDKs need an API key in order to interact with the blockchain?  
other blockchains don’t need one

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**Author:** ![tsachi](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.algorand.co/tsachi/32/29_2.png) [@tsachi](https://forum.algorand.co/u/tsachi)\
**Post date:** [November 21, 2021, 2:33pm UTC](https://forum.algorand.co/t/why-does-algorand-need-an-api-key/5142/2 "2021-11-21T14:33:52Z")

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The API key is a way to control who have access to the node REST API.

Each request to the API comes with some cpu/disk/etc cost. Using a key allows the node operator to control who has access to the node.

Another use is to use it as part of a load balancer so a given client can be associated with a specific node.

The Algorand network itself does not use the REST API for communication. That protocol uses no keys/credentials, nor does it carry any account state information.

Last, you could always deploy your own node and expose the API using nginx, without the credentials.

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**Author:** ![Obi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9a140/32.png) [@Obi](https://forum.algorand.co/u/Obi)\
**Post date:** [November 21, 2021, 3:02pm UTC](https://forum.algorand.co/t/why-does-algorand-need-an-api-key/5142/3 "2021-11-21T15:02:18Z")

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Thanks, can you point me to a guide on how to run my own node?

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**Author:** ![Obi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9a140/32.png) [@Obi](https://forum.algorand.co/u/Obi)\
**Post date:** [November 21, 2021, 4:28pm UTC](https://forum.algorand.co/t/why-does-algorand-need-an-api-key/5142/4 "2021-11-21T16:28:28Z")

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if I run my own do I automatically get my own API keys?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![tsachi](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.algorand.co/tsachi/32/29_2.png) [@tsachi](https://forum.algorand.co/u/tsachi)\
**Post date:** [November 21, 2021, 5:12pm UTC](https://forum.algorand.co/t/why-does-algorand-need-an-api-key/5142/5 "2021-11-21T17:12:49Z")

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Of course. Look at the developer documentation for detailed node installation instructions