> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.netmap.dev/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.netmap.dev/guides/automation-with-api-keys.md).

# Automation With API Keys

Use a dedicated least-privilege NetMap user for automation. API keys inherit the owning user's current role and permissions.

Shell pattern:

```bash
API_URL="${NETMAP_API_URL:?set NETMAP_API_URL}"
API_KEY="${NETMAP_API_KEY:?set NETMAP_API_KEY}"

curl --fail-with-body \
  --url "${API_URL}/api/v1/topology/devices" \
  --header "X-API-Key: ${API_KEY}" \
  --header "Accept: application/json"
```

Python pattern:

```python
import os
import httpx

with httpx.Client(
    base_url=os.environ["NETMAP_API_URL"],
    headers={"X-API-Key": os.environ["NETMAP_API_KEY"]},
    timeout=30.0,
) as client:
    response = client.get("/api/v1/topology/devices")
    response.raise_for_status()
    devices = response.json()
```


---

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