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

# API Tokens

> Securely automate and integrate with the Ankra platform using API tokens for CLI, CI/CD, and custom integrations.

API tokens are secure credentials that allow you to authenticate and interact with the Ankra platform programmatically. They are used for CLI operations, CI/CD automation, and integrating Ankra with your own tools or scripts.

***

## How to Generate an API Token

1. **Click your profile icon** in the bottom left corner of the Ankra dashboard.
2. In the menu, select **Profile**.
3. On your profile page, choose **API Tokens**.
4. Click **Add Token** on the token list page.
5. Give your token a descriptive name and set the desired permissions (if applicable).
6. **Copy the generated token and store it securely.** You will not be able to view it again!

<Tip>
  For security, create separate tokens for different use cases (e.g., CLI, CI/CD, integrations).
</Tip>

***

## Use Cases for API Tokens

### 1. Ankra CLI Authentication

Set the `ANKRA_API_TOKEN` environment variable to authenticate the CLI:

```bash theme={null}
export ANKRA_API_TOKEN="<your-token>"
```

### 2. CI/CD Integration

Use API tokens in your CI/CD pipelines to automate cluster management, addon deployment, or other Ankra API operations. Store tokens as secrets in your CI/CD system (e.g., GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Jenkins).

**Example (GitHub Actions):**

```yaml theme={null}
env:
  ANKRA_API_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.ANKRA_API_TOKEN }}
```

### 3. Programmatic Access (Source Code)

API tokens can be used in scripts or applications written in any language that supports HTTP requests (e.g., Python, Go, Node.js, Bash).

**Python Example:**

```python theme={null}
import requests
headers = {"Authorization": "Bearer <your-token>"}
response = requests.get("https://platform.ankra.app/api/v1/clusters", headers=headers)
print(response.json())
```

**Node.js Example:**

```javascript theme={null}
const res = await fetch("https://platform.ankra.app/api/v1/clusters", {
  headers: { Authorization: "Bearer <your-token>" }
});
console.log(await res.json());
```

***

## Security Best Practices

* Treat API tokens like passwords — **never share or commit them to source control**.
* Use the minimum required permissions for each token.
* Revoke tokens immediately if you suspect they are compromised.
* Rotate tokens regularly for critical automation.

***

## Troubleshooting

* **Token not working?** Double-check you copied it correctly and that it has the right permissions.
* **Lost your token?** Delete it and generate a new one.
* **Permission errors?** Ensure your token has the necessary scopes for your operation.

***

## More Information

* [API Reference](/api-reference/introduction) — authenticate and call every Ankra endpoint
* [Ankra CLI](/integrations/ankra-cli) — token-based login for terminal and CI use
* [Contact Support](mailto:hello@ankra.io)