# Usage

The Stacks Blockchain API is built on REST principles, enforcing HTTPS for all requests to ensure data security, integrity, and privacy.

## Base URL

```bash
https://api.hiro.so
```

## Making requests

To make a request to the Stacks API, you can paste the curl command below in your terminal.

```bash
curl -L 'https://api.hiro.so/extended' \
  -H 'Accept: application/json'
```

## Authentication

If you are using an API key, replace `$HIRO_API_KEY` with your secret API key.

```bash
curl -L 'https://api.hiro.so/extended' \
  -H 'Accept: application/json' \
  -H 'x-api-key: $HIRO_API_KEY'
```

## Response codes

The Stacks Blockchain API uses standard HTTP response codes to indicate request success or failure.

| Code  | Description                            |
| ----- | -------------------------------------- |
| `200` | Successful request                     |
| `400` | Check that the parameters were correct |
| `401` | Missing API key                        |
| `403` | Invalid API key                        |
| `404` | Resource not found                     |
| `429` | Rate limit exceeded                    |
| `5xx` | Server errors                          |