dotnet CSharp httpclient api authentication security beginners dotnet 101

Authentication and Best Practices for API Integration

Securing and consuming APIs in C#

Posted by Rodrigo Castro on January 11, 2025

Most APIs require authentication. Common methods include API keys, Bearer tokens, and OAuth.

🔑 Using API Keys

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client.DefaultRequestHeaders.Add("X-Api-Key", "your_api_key_here");

🔒 Bearer Token Authentication

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client.DefaultRequestHeaders.Authorization =
    new AuthenticationHeaderValue("Bearer", "your_token_here");

🛡️ Best Practices

  • Never commit secrets to source control.
  • Store credentials securely (environment variables, Azure Key Vault, etc).
  • Use HTTPS for all API traffic.
  • Handle 401/403 errors gracefully.
  • Log only non-sensitive details.

🧪 Test Auth Before Production

  • Use Postman or cURL to verify authentication before coding.

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