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

# Quickstart

> Create your first swap through the LightSwap Direct API in about five minutes, from API key to deposit address.

This walkthrough takes you from zero to a created swap: activate a key, list assets, validate an address, quote, swap, poll.

## 1. Get your API key

Sign in on [lightswap.me](https://lightswap.me/account), open **Account → Business**, and select **Activate business account**. The API key is shown once. Copy it and store it somewhere safe.

Set it on your backend:

```bash theme={null}
export LIGHTSWAP_API_KEY="lsk_live_..."
```

<Warning>
  API keys are backend credentials. Never put one in browser code, a mobile app, or a public repository.
</Warning>

## 2. List assets

```bash theme={null}
curl "https://lightswap.me/api/partner/v1/asset?network=tron&symbol=USDT" \
  -H "x-api-key: $LIGHTSWAP_API_KEY"
```

The response gives you canonical lowercase network values, decimals, and memo requirements. Use these exact values in later calls.

## 3. Validate the destination address

```bash theme={null}
curl -X POST "https://lightswap.me/api/partner/v1/address" \
  -H "content-type: application/json" \
  -H "x-api-key: $LIGHTSWAP_API_KEY" \
  -d '{
    "network": "tron",
    "token": "USDT",
    "address": "TNDzfERDpxLDS2w1q6yaFC7pzqaSQ3Bg3r",
    "memo": null
  }'
```

Do this before quoting so your users catch address mistakes early.

## 4. Create a quote

```bash theme={null}
curl -X POST "https://lightswap.me/api/partner/v1/quote" \
  -H "content-type: application/json" \
  -H "x-api-key: $LIGHTSWAP_API_KEY" \
  -d '{
    "from": {
      "network": "bitcoin",
      "token": "BTC",
      "amount": "0.01"
    },
    "to": {
      "network": "tron",
      "token": "USDT"
    },
    "customerId": "u_123",
    "externalId": "order-123"
  }'
```

Quotes live for 3 minutes. Amounts are decimal strings.

## 5. Create the swap

```bash theme={null}
curl -X POST "https://lightswap.me/api/partner/v1/swap" \
  -H "content-type: application/json" \
  -H "x-api-key: $LIGHTSWAP_API_KEY" \
  -d '{
    "quoteId": "pq_aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa",
    "destination": {
      "address": "TNDzfERDpxLDS2w1q6yaFC7pzqaSQ3Bg3r",
      "memo": null
    },
    "notificationEmail": "optional@example.com"
  }'
```

The response contains the deposit instructions: address, amount, network, token, and deadline. **Only now should your user send funds.** A quote response never carries deposit details.

## 6. Poll the status

```bash theme={null}
curl "https://lightswap.me/api/partner/v1/swap/AB12CD34EF56" \
  -H "x-api-key: $LIGHTSWAP_API_KEY"
```

Poll every 30 seconds until the status is terminal: `completed`, `refunded`, `failed`, or `expired`.

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Integration flow" icon="plug" href="/integrations/direct-api/integration-flow">
    Memos, refund addresses, and retry behavior in detail.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Statuses and errors" icon="circle-check" href="/integrations/direct-api/statuses-errors">
    Every status and error code, with suggested handling.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Limits" icon="gauge" href="/integrations/direct-api/limits">
    Rate limits, quote lifetime, and deposit windows.
  </Card>

  <Card title="API Reference" icon="brackets-curly" href="/api-reference/introduction">
    Request and response fields for every endpoint.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>