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

# Getting Started

> Quickstart guide to integrate the TradeWatch financial data API. Set up your account, generate an API key, and make your first REST or WebSocket request.

<Tip>
  **No account yet?** [Start your free trial](https://dash.tradewatch.io/register) — no credit card required. Get your API key in under 2 minutes.
</Tip>

This guide outlines the steps to authenticate and make your first API request using the TradeWatch financial data API. Within minutes you can be querying live forex rates, cryptocurrency prices, stock quotes, index values, and commodities data via REST or streaming it in real time over WebSocket.

## Prerequisites

Before proceeding, review the [Overview](/platform/overview) and [API Types](/platform/api-types).

### 1. Account Setup

* [Register a new account](/account/registration)
* [Activate your account](/account/activation)

### 2. Generate API Key

Authentication is required for all API endpoints.

1. Navigate to **Settings** > **API Management** in the Dashboard.
2. Click **Generate New API Key**.
3. Store the key securely.

## Select Protocol

Choose the API interface that matches your requirements:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="HTTP API" icon="globe" href="/quickstart/http-api">
    RESTful interface for on-demand data retrieval.
  </Card>

  <Card title="WebSocket API" icon="bolt" href="/quickstart/websocket-api">
    Persistent connection for real-time market data streaming.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Card title="Get your free API key →" icon="key" href="https://dash.tradewatch.io/register" color="#B63592">
  Start your free trial in seconds. Access Forex, Crypto, Stocks, Indices, and Commodities data instantly.
</Card>