> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.polynode.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quickstart

> Generate an API key and make your first request in 30 seconds.

<Warning>
  **Polymarket V2 cutover: April 28, 2026 at \~11am UTC.** If you place orders via our trading SDK, upgrade to the V2-ready version and flip one config line before cutover. See the [V2 Migration Guide](/guides/v2-migration) for the full checklist.
</Warning>

## 1. Generate an API key

<CodeGroup>
  ```bash cURL theme={null}
  curl -s -X POST https://api.polynode.dev/v1/keys \
    -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
    -d '{"name": "my-bot"}'
  ```

  ```python Python theme={null}
  import requests

  resp = requests.post("https://api.polynode.dev/v1/keys", json={"name": "my-bot"})
  key = resp.json()["api_key"]
  print(key)  # pn_live_a1b2c3d4e5f6...
  ```

  ```typescript TypeScript theme={null}
  const resp = await fetch("https://api.polynode.dev/v1/keys", {
    method: "POST",
    headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json" },
    body: JSON.stringify({ name: "my-bot" }),
  });
  const { api_key } = await resp.json();
  ```
</CodeGroup>

```json Response theme={null}
{
  "api_key": "pn_live_a1b2c3d4e5f6...",
  "name": "my-bot",
  "rate_limit_per_minute": 120,
  "message": "Store this key securely — it cannot be retrieved again."
}
```

<Warning>
  Save the `api_key` immediately. It cannot be retrieved after creation.
</Warning>

## 2. Make your first request

Fetch the top 5 markets by 24h volume:

<CodeGroup>
  ```bash cURL theme={null}
  curl -s "https://api.polynode.dev/v1/markets?count=5" \
    -H "x-api-key: pn_live_YOUR_KEY" | jq
  ```

  ```python Python theme={null}
  import requests

  resp = requests.get(
      "https://api.polynode.dev/v1/markets",
      params={"count": 5},
      headers={"x-api-key": "pn_live_YOUR_KEY"},
  )
  print(resp.json())
  ```

  ```typescript TypeScript theme={null}
  const resp = await fetch("https://api.polynode.dev/v1/markets?count=5", {
    headers: { "x-api-key": "pn_live_YOUR_KEY" },
  });
  const data = await resp.json();
  ```
</CodeGroup>

```json Response theme={null}
{
  "count": 5,
  "total": 69482,
  "markets": [
    {
      "token_id": "247024838963513327646981976118812247380",
      "question": "Will Bitcoin reach $100k?",
      "last_price": 0.72,
      "volume_24h": 48293.50,
      "trade_count_24h": 677,
      "last_trade_at": 1772512467000,
      "slug": "bitcoin-100k",
      "outcomes": ["Yes", "No"]
    }
  ]
}
```

## 3. Stream live settlements

Connect via WebSocket to receive real-time settlements:

```javascript theme={null}
const ws = new WebSocket("wss://ws.polynode.dev/ws?key=pn_live_YOUR_KEY");

ws.onopen = () => {
  ws.send(JSON.stringify({
    action: "subscribe",
    type: "settlements",
  }));
};

ws.onmessage = (event) => {
  const msg = JSON.parse(event.data);
  if (msg.type === "settlement") {
    console.log(`${msg.data.taker_side} $${msg.data.taker_size} @ ${msg.data.taker_price}`);
  }
};
```

You'll receive a snapshot of recent events, then live updates as new settlements are detected.

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Authentication" icon="key" href="/authentication">
    API key management and auth methods
  </Card>

  <Card title="WebSocket" icon="plug" href="/guides/websocket">
    Real-time streaming with filtered subscriptions
  </Card>

  <Card title="API Reference" icon="code" href="/api-reference">
    Full endpoint reference with playground
  </Card>

  <Card title="Rate Limits" icon="gauge" href="/guides/rate-limits">
    Usage limits and best practices
  </Card>
</CardGroup>