Tutorials / Getting started / Setting up API keys
📝 Written ● Beginner

Setting up API keys

Connect Claude, DeepSeek, GPT-4, Gemini, or any OpenAI-compatible provider to unlock their full power in the playground.

What you'll learn

Overview: How API keys work

LingCode connects to AI providers via API keys — a secret token that proves you own an account and have permission to use that provider's service. Your keys never leave your browser; they're only sent directly to the provider's API, never to LingCode's servers.

Security note: API keys are sensitive. Never share them in public, commit them to git, or paste them into untrusted websites. LingCode stores them securely in your browser's local storage.

Setting up Claude (Anthropic)

1

Create an Anthropic account

Go to console.anthropic.com and sign up or log in.

2

Generate an API key

Navigate to the API keys section, click "Create Key", give it a name (e.g., "LingCode"), and copy the full key.

3

Paste into LingCode

In the playground, click the "Advanced" button at the bottom, find the Claude row, and paste your key. Click "Save".

Setting up DeepSeek

1

Create a DeepSeek account

Go to platform.deepseek.com and sign up or log in.

2

Create an API key

In the API keys section, click "Create API Key", copy it, and keep it safe.

3

Add to LingCode

In the playground, click "Advanced", find DeepSeek, paste your key, and save.

Cost tip: DeepSeek is significantly cheaper than Claude or GPT-4 — often 10x less. Great for bulk testing and experimentation.

Setting up OpenAI (GPT-4, GPT-4o)

1

Create an OpenAI account

Go to platform.openai.com and sign up or log in. Add a payment method if you haven't already.

2

Generate an API key

Go to "API keys" in the sidebar, click "Create new secret key", and copy it.

3

Configure in LingCode

In the playground, click "Advanced", find OpenAI, paste your key, and save.

Testing your connection

Once you've added a key:

  1. Go to the playground
  2. Click the provider button (Claude, DeepSeek, etc.)
  3. Type a simple prompt: "Hello, can you hear me?"
  4. Click "Send"
  5. If the provider responds, you're connected ✓

Multiple providers at once

LingCode's superpower is running the same prompt across multiple providers simultaneously and comparing results. To do this:

  1. Add API keys for multiple providers (Claude, DeepSeek, GPT-4, etc.)
  2. In the playground, click to select multiple provider buttons
  3. Type your prompt and click "Send"
  4. Watch all providers generate in parallel — then pick the best result
Tip: Use this for important builds. Run your prompt on Claude, DeepSeek, and GPT-4, compare quality vs. cost, and choose the best one.

Removing or rotating keys

To remove a key from LingCode:

  1. Click "Advanced" in the playground
  2. Find the provider row
  3. Clear the key field and save

If you want to rotate your API keys (generate a new one and revoke the old), do that in your provider's dashboard, then update LingCode with the new key.

What's next

Understanding providers

When to use Claude vs DeepSeek vs GPT-4

Your first build

Create your first project with your new API key

Running across all providers

Compare outputs side-by-side