# How do I make my first API call?

> Get a free API key, send it in a header, and read your first response in two minutes.

1. Get a free key at [app.sentisense.ai/get-api-key](https://app.sentisense.ai/get-api-key). Keys start with `ss_live_`.
2. Send it in the `X-SentiSense-API-Key` header on every request:

```bash
curl -H "X-SentiSense-API-Key: ss_live_YOUR_KEY" \
  "https://app.sentisense.ai/api/v1/stocks/price?ticker=AAPL"
```

3. The response is JSON. A `401` means the key is missing or wrong. A `404` can mean a ticker we do not track, no data of that kind for the ticker, or a wrong endpoint path. The `error` code in the response says which (see [why the API returns a 404](/docs/support/why-404-no-coverage/)).

## Next steps

- **Python or Node.** Install the SDK with `pip install sentisense` or `npm install sentisense`. Examples are in the [API quickstart](/docs/api/).
- **Use it from an AI assistant instead.** Connect SentiSense to Claude, ChatGPT or Codex with the [MCP connector](/connect/), with no key to paste.
- **Find the data you need.** The [API reference](/docs/api/) lists every endpoint. Some return a preview on the free plan: see [why data says preview](/docs/support/preview-and-sample-companies/).