# Storefront API Overview

The Storefront GraphQL API enables you to build custom storefronts, integrate with third-party services, and access your Finqu store data programmatically. It is designed for flexibility, performance, and ease of use, supporting authenticated customer experiences and a wide range of commerce scenarios.

## Key Features

- **Customer Authentication:** The API supports customer authentication, allowing you to build secure customer accounts and personalized shopping experiences. Authenticated requests access customer-specific data like orders, addresses, and preferences.
- **GraphQL Interface:** Query only the data you need and perform powerful mutations to manage store resources, carts, and customer accounts.
- **Cursor-Based Pagination:** Efficiently navigate large datasets using industry-standard cursor-based pagination.
- **Structured Error Handling:** Receive clear, actionable error messages for both queries and mutations, including detailed userErrors for mutation input issues.
- **Fair Rate Limits:** Generous rate limits based on query complexity, designed to prevent abuse while supporting normal usage. Exceeding the limit results in a 429 status code and a structured error response.

## Authentication

The Storefront API requires an API key for all requests. Additionally, the API supports customer authentication for personalized experiences:

- **API Key Authentication:** All requests require a valid API key in the `Authorization` header. API keys can be obtained from Channel settings in the Finqu admin area (keys are prefixed with `fq_`).
- **Customer Authentication:** Authenticate customers to access personalized data, manage carts, and complete purchases.
- **Access Tokens:** Use customer access tokens to make authenticated customer requests.

[Learn about Authentication →](./authentication)

## How to Use

1. **Get your API key** from Channel settings in the Finqu admin area.
2. **Choose your API version** using the selector above to access the correct documentation and endpoints.
3. **Explore the documentation** for authentication, error handling, pagination, and rate limits to understand best practices and API behavior.
4. **Start building** by sending GraphQL queries and mutations to your store's API endpoint with your API key in the `Authorization` header.
5. **Implement customer authentication** for customer-specific features and personalized experiences.

> For more details, see the sections on Authentication, Error Handling, Pagination, and Rate Limits in the sidebar.

## Building Storefronts

The Storefront API is designed for building custom storefronts. Use it with:

- **Nexus Theme** - Our official Next.js storefront theme
- **Storefront SDK** - High-level SDK for common operations
- **Storefront Library** - Low-level GraphQL client
- **CLI Commands** - Storefront development tools

[Learn about Building Storefronts →](/build-with-finqu/storefront/overview)

If you have questions or need support, please contact our support team.