API Quick Start

Why this sample exists

For developer-facing products, the first-run experience matters a lot. A quick-start guide should not try to explain everything. Its job is to help users reach a successful first result quickly, build confidence, and then guide them toward more advanced documentation.

Good quick-start content reduces hesitation. It gives users momentum before they encounter the full complexity of the product.

Target outcome

Use the Fictional Text API to generate a short response in less than five minutes.

Before you begin

• Create an account in the Fictional Text console.
• Generate an API key from Settings > API Keys.
• Install curl or use your preferred HTTP client.

Make your first request

Replace YOUR_API_KEY with your actual key.

curl -X POST https://api.example.dev/v1/generate \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "model": "writer-lite",
    "prompt": "Write a welcome message for a new user.",
    "max_tokens": 80
  }'

Example response

{
  "id": "resp_12345",
  "model": "writer-lite",
  "output": "Welcome! We are glad you're here. Let's get you started.",
  "usage": {
    "input_tokens": 9,
    "output_tokens": 13
  }
}