> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://open-cider.gitbook.io/open-cider/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://open-cider.gitbook.io/open-cider/readme.md).

# Introduction

Open Cider is a backend-as-a-service platform that provides amazing features so that you can focus on building a truly remarkable experience.

Open Cider API is built around REST with predictable, resource-oriented URLs that accept JSON-encoded requests and return JSON-encoded responses. Our APIs are designed to work as part of a micro-service system. This means you should approach the design of your applications with Open Cider as an extension as opposed to just a third party application. A simpler way to think of this is as building an application that communicates with an external user-management service.\
One important thing to note is how the API works. The API works in a user context where each call is made on behalf of the user. This style of design forces a user-experience driven approach to designing your applications as well - in other words, you build the application in local scope thinking only of what a single user's experience will be. For this to happen, users have to expressly grant services authority by following an SSO authentication process. Once this happens, you are provided with a service-user-token that allows a service to make requests on behalf of that user.

### Before you begin

There are a few things you will need before you can begin building applications on the Open Cider platform. These include:

* Your Developer Account. You will need this to create a service. Log in or register a developer account [here](https://dev.opencider.com/auth). You are given 1000 free credits on signup for testing.
* A Created Service. You can create a service by logging in to your developer dashboard and clicking on 'Add Service' at the bottom right of the page.
* A valid Service Key. You can generate this by selecting your created Service and clicking on 'Generate Key' at the top of the screen.
* A valid User Account for testing. Create one [here](https://app.opencider.com/auth).

BASE URL: <https://api.opencider.com/>