How to Log In With Code

Here's how to use your API key to access Hackatime data with code.

Get Your API Key

Every API request needs your personal API key.

Finding Your API Key

1. Log in to Hackatime
2. Go to Settings
3. Copy your API key from the page

Using Your API Key

Put your API key in the Authorization header:

curl -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
     https://hackatime.hackclub.com/api/v1/stats

Other Ways to Send Your Key

In the URL

You can also put your API key in the URL:

curl "https://hackatime.hackclub.com/api/v1/stats?api_key=YOUR_API_KEY"

Note: The Authorization header way is safer.

Test Your Key

Try your API key with this simple request:

curl -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
     https://hackatime.hackclub.com/api/v1/stats

If it works, you'll get something like:

{
  "total_seconds": 12345,
  "languages": [...],
  "projects": [...]
}

What Happens When Something Goes Wrong

Wrong API Key

{
  "error": "Invalid API key"
}

No API Key

{
  "error": "API key required"
}

Rate Limits

We don't enforce hard limits right now, but be reasonable:

• Don't make thousands of requests per minute
• The WakaTime plugin automatically limits heartbeats to every 30 seconds

Keep Your Key Safe

• Never put API keys in your code that others can see
• Use environment variables to store your API key
• Only use HTTPS (never HTTP) for API requests
• Get a new key if you think yours was stolen

Need Help?

Having trouble with your API key? Check:

1. You copied the whole key correctly
2. You're using the right website URL
3. Your request looks like the examples above

Still stuck? Ask for help in Hack Club Slack (#hackatime-v2 channel)!