[Solved] You have this code snippet to send an API key in a URL parameter: import requests url = "https://api.example.com/data?api_key=12345" response = requests.... What is the most likely problem? | Rest API

Rest API - Authentication and Authorization

You have this code snippet to send an API key in a URL parameter:

import requests
url = "https://api.example.com/data?api_key=12345"
response = requests.get(url)
print(response.status_code)

The server always returns 401 Unauthorized. What is the most likely problem?

AThe API key value is incorrect

BThe URL is missing HTTPS

CThe API key should be sent in headers, not URL parameters

DThe requests library does not support URL parameters

Step-by-Step Solution

Solution:

Step 1: Check if sending API key in URL is allowed
Many APIs accept API keys in URL parameters, so this is often valid.
Step 2: Consider the 401 Unauthorized response
401 usually means invalid or missing credentials, so the key value is likely wrong.
Final Answer:
The API key value is incorrect -> Option A
Quick Check:
401 = Invalid credentials [OK]

Quick Trick: 401 usually means wrong or missing API key value [OK]

Common Mistakes:

Master "Authentication and Authorization" in Rest API

9 interactive learning modes - each teaches the same concept differently

More Rest API Quizzes

You have this code snippet to send an API key in a URL parameter: