# Quickstart

Send your first authenticated request to the IntelCenter API.

## Base URL

```text
https://api.intelcenter.com
```

All requests use HTTPS.

## 1. Obtain an API Key

IntelCenter issues API keys with specific dataset and capability permissions. Keep the key in a server-side secret store and never place it in browser code, logs, or source control.

## 2. Search ICD Records

```bash
curl --request GET \
  --url "https://api.intelcenter.com/v1/icd/videos?search=public%20safety&page=1&per_page=10" \
  --header "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"
```

A successful response contains paging fields and an `items` array.

## 3. Retrieve a Known Component ID

If you already know a Component ID, use the dedicated direct-lookup endpoint. Do not send it through keyword search.

```bash
curl --request GET \
  --url "https://api.intelcenter.com/v1/icd/videos/by-component-id/123456" \
  --header "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"
```

The number above is a placeholder. Use a Component ID available to your account.

## 4. Try Natural Language Search

```bash
curl --request GET \
  --url "https://api.intelcenter.com/v1/icd/nl-search?search=public%20safety%20response&top_k=5" \
  --header "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"
```

## 5. Ask Domain GenAI

```bash
curl --request POST \
  --url "https://api.intelcenter.com/v1/icd/domain-genai" \
  --header "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  --header "Content-Type: application/json" \
  --data '{
    "question": "What public safety themes appear in the available reporting?",
    "top_k": 5
  }'
```

The response includes an opaque `conversation_id`. Include it in a later request to continue the same conversation, or omit it to start a new one.

## Common Next Steps

- Review [Choosing the Right Endpoint](/choosing-endpoint).
- See the complete [API Endpoints](/endpoints) inventory.
- Learn about [MCP Integration](/mcp-integration).
- Review [Response Format](/responses), [Rate Limits](/rate-limits), and [Limitations](/limitations).
- Use the interactive [API Reference](/api) for exact request and response schemas.