> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.openference.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quickstart

> Get up and running with Openference in under two minutes. Create an account, get an API key, and make your first successful request.

# Quickstart

Get from zero to a working chat completion in a few steps.

## 1. Create an account

Go to [openference.com/register](https://openference.com/register).

You will receive a verification email. Click the link to activate your account.

## 2. Create an API key

1. Log in at [openference.com](https://openference.com).
2. Go to **API Keys** in the dashboard.
3. Click **Create API Key**.
4. Give it a name (e.g. "Cursor") and optionally restrict it to specific models.
5. Copy the key — it is only shown once.

Keep your key secret. You can create as many keys as you need.

## 3. Make your first request

Use the base URL:

**`https://api.openference.com/v1`**

### curl example

```bash theme={null}
curl https://api.openference.com/v1/chat/completions \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -d '{
    "model": "GLM-5.2",
    "messages": [
      {"role": "user", "content": "Say hello in one short sentence."}
    ]
  }'
```

You should receive a normal OpenAI-format response.

### Python (OpenAI SDK)

```bash theme={null}
pip install openai
```

```python theme={null}
from openai import OpenAI

client = OpenAI(
    base_url="https://api.openference.com/v1",
    api_key="YOUR_API_KEY"
)

response = client.chat.completions.create(
    model="GLM-5.2",
    messages=[{"role": "user", "content": "Hello!"}]
)
print(response.choices[0].message.content)
```

## 4. Connect your favorite client

Choose your tool and follow the dedicated guide:

* [Cursor](/integrations/cursor)
* [Claude Code](/integrations/claude-code)
* [Codex CLI](/integrations/codex)
* [Python / Node SDKs](/integrations/python)

All clients use the **same base URL** and **same key**.

## 5. Check available models

```bash theme={null}
curl https://api.openference.com/v1/models \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"
```

The list is filtered to models your key is allowed to use.

## What's next?

* Understand [Base URL & Authentication](/getting-started/base-url-auth)
* Learn how [billing and quotas](/billing/plans) work
* Read the full [API Reference](/api-reference/overview)