# Introduction

## Welcome to the private server API

The PRC Private Server API is available to all servers that purchase the **ERLC API** server pack.

{% hint style="danger" %}
**If you are not an experienced developer who knows what an API is, this documentation site is not for you.** \
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**Instead, you should use one of our partner clients (such as** [**Trident**](https://trident.bot/)**, or** [**Melonly**](https://melonly.xyz)**).**
{% endhint %}

## Who can use the API?

The PRC API can be used by **anyone** who purchases the ERLC API server pack.

## Authentication

All requests require authentication headers. 

Clients that intend to use the API for one server or for development purposes **do not** need a global authorization key. Clients that have a global authorization key should provide it via the "Authorization" header.

Requests that interact with a private server's information will need a server-specific key supplied in the "Server-Key" header. The server key is obtained from the ER:LC settings UI and should be supplied to you by the server owner.

## Rate Limiting

API Clients that do not respect our rate limits are subject to permanent or temporary API bans. Please read the Rate Limits page:

{% content-ref url="../for-developers/rate-limits" %}
[rate-limits](https://apidocs.policeroleplay.community/for-developers/rate-limits)
{% endcontent-ref %}