How to Use the Github API — Full Guide with Tutorial
In order to make full use of GitHub APIs, it is recommended that you perform the following actions in an organized manner after understanding as to why each action was taken.
Gernerate Personal Access Token
Click on Developer Settings
Developer Settings In your Repository scroll further down to Repository Options and there you will find Developer settings.
Generate a New Token:
Select Personal Access Tokens >
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Generate new token.
Configure Token Details:
Name your Token, it will help you identify the Token later.
Choose the scopes that should be there according to your requirements (example- any scope is required to access repository, user data)
Create and Store the Token:
Make sure to take notes of your generated token by clicking on Create Token This is important as this token is required for API requests (Store in a secure location elsewhere!
The Token on Command Line
In the command line, for API calls You will need to add your TOKEN :
bashcurl –request GET
–url ‘https://api.github.com/user’
–header “Authorization: token YOUR_TOKEN”
Replace with YOUR_TOKEN your token.
Best Practices for Security
Protect Your Token the Way You Would Protect A Password
Do not expose your token in public repositories, and do not share it more than necessary.
Use Environment Variables:
For scripts or applications, store your token as an. env local variable to be safer:
bashexport GH_TOKEN=YOUR TOKEN
These are common practices that will help you safely working with GitHub API,