# Authentication

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Experience level" %}
This core reference entry is suited for <mark style="color:red;">**advanced-level builders**</mark><mark style="color:green;">**.**</mark>&#x20;

[Learn more about experience levels.](#user-content-fn-1)[^1]
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{% tab title="In-depth articles (5)" %}
To learn about this topic more in-depth, we recommend reading the suggested articles below:

#### The API Connector

* Article: [API Connector authentication methods](https://manual.bubble.io/~/changes/1188/help-guides/integrations/api/the-api-connector/authentication)
* Article series: [The API Connector](https://manual.bubble.io/~/changes/1188/help-guides/integrations/api/the-api-connector)
  * Article: [Authentication](https://manual.bubble.io/~/changes/1188/help-guides/integrations/api/the-api-connector/authentication)
  * Article: [API Connector security](https://manual.bubble.io/~/changes/1188/help-guides/security/api-security/api-connector-security)

***

#### Cases

* Article: Case: [Connecting to OpenAI/ChatGPT](https://manual.bubble.io/~/changes/1188/help-guides/integrations/api/the-api-connector/api-guides/openai/calls/chatgpt)
* Article: Case: [Connecting with Google Translate](https://manual.bubble.io/~/changes/1188/help-guides/integrations/api/the-api-connector/api-guides/google-translate)

***

#### APIs

* Article series: [APIs](https://manual.bubble.io/~/changes/1188/help-guides/integrations/api)\
  This article series covers how APIs work in general, and the different steps that take place when two computer systems communicate.
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{% tab title="Videos (2)" %}

* [Intro to APIs & the API Connector | Bubble Crash-Course](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO8PSqeJaWk\&t=745s)
* [Bubble Webinar 2 - The API Connector](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXsL4FjAhd8\&t=2s)
* [How to Setup Google API Keys](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouGT55o68ho)
  {% endtab %}
  {% endtabs %}

### Authentication methods

There are many different ways to authenticate. Most API providers will have documentation available online that specifies their authentication method and many require you to generate a unique API token.

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="259"></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Method</td><td>Description</td></tr><tr><td>None or self-handled</td><td>No authentication required</td></tr><tr><td>Private key in URL</td><td>The private key is included as a parameter in the URL</td></tr><tr><td>Private key in header</td><td>The private key is included as an HTTP header in the request</td></tr><tr><td>HTTP Basic Auth</td><td>The username and password is sent in plain text</td></tr><tr><td>OAuth2 Password Flow</td><td>The username and password is sent and receives an access token in return</td></tr><tr><td>OAuth2 User-Agent Flow</td><td>Similar to OAuth2 Password Flow, but for user-agents</td></tr><tr><td>OAuth2 Custom Token</td><td>Thr custom token is sent to the server for verification</td></tr><tr><td>JSON Web Token (JWT)</td><td>A JSON web tokenis sent to the server for verification</td></tr><tr><td>Client-side SSL certificate</td><td>Your app presents a SSL certificate to the server for verification</td></tr></tbody></table>

[^1]: In the Bubble docs, experience levels are categorized into beginner, intermediate, and advanced.

    To assist with learning, especially for more complex topics, we'll recommend prerequisite reading where it could be beneficial.&#x20;