> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.partssource.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.partssource.com/api/getting-started/making-your-first-api-request.md).

# Making your first API request

This guide walks you through making your first request to a PartsSource API.

To make your first API call, you need to perform the following actions:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**Create an authentication token**. The token gives you access to PartsSource API resources. You must include the token in the **Authorization** header of all requests using the Bearer scheme:

```
Authorization: Bearer {your-access-token}
```

See [Authentication](/api/authentication/overview.md) for details on obtaining an access token.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Choose the endpoint that corresponds to the resource you want to interact with.** Review the API Reference Documentation to select the right endpoint for your test.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Prepare the full request and send it.** In this example, we'll use cURL to retrieve order details. Use the `GET` method to retrieve data without modifying it.

{% hint style="warning" %}
The following request example contains a sample authentication token. Don't use it in your requests. Generate your own token.
{% endhint %}

```bash
curl --location \
--request GET 'https://api.partssource.com/customer/orders/12345' \
--header 'Content-Type: application/json' \
--header 'Authorization: Bearer 93dc8837-2911-4711-a766-59c1167a974d'
```

Always include a request body in `POST`, `PUT`, or `PATCH` requests.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Evaluate the response.** The API returns `200 OK` and the order details in JSON format. If your request failed, you receive an error code. Refer to [Troubleshooting](/api/resources/troubleshooting.md) for help resolving issues.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


---

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