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

# Sandbox

> Sign in, create a sandbox key, and make your first authenticated request.

<Note>
  The [developer sandbox](https://sandbox.trdrs.co/developer) is a free preview for instrument-catalog
  requests. Trading, partner provisioning and automated conformance runs are not included.
</Note>

The developer sandbox has its own sign-in, database and keys. It does not use a production
account or payment method. This preview supports the instrument catalog. Order entry, partner
provisioning and automated conformance runs are not available in it.

## Get a sandbox key

<Steps>
  <Step title="Sign in">
    Open [the developer page](https://sandbox.trdrs.co/developer). Enter your email and the
    verification code sent to it. Your first sign-in creates your sandbox identity.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create a key">
    Enter a name, then select **Create key**. Copy the secret and save it securely. It is shown
    once; refreshing the page does not reveal it again. You can revoke a lost key and create
    another. Up to three keys can be active; each expires after 30 days.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Make a request from your terminal">
    Set `TRDRS_SANDBOX_KEY` to your copied key.
    The developer page also supplies the request with your sandbox address already filled in.

    ```bash theme={null}
    curl --fail-with-body https://sandbox.trdrs.co/api/instruments \
      -H "Authorization: Bearer $TRDRS_SANDBOX_KEY"
    ```

    Expect HTTP `200` with an `instruments` array of contract specifications. A missing, expired,
    revoked or production key returns `401`. No broker connection or live market feed is needed
    to read this catalog.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm it worked">
    Select **Check request status** on the developer page. A successful request updates the
    key's status. Creating a key or signing in alone does not mark this step complete.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Key handling

Sandbox keys start with `trdrs_sk_sandbox_`. Production refuses them. Keep them in a terminal or
server-side secret store, never in browser or mobile application code. Key management uses your
sandbox sign-in session; an API key cannot create or revoke keys.

## Practice accounts in production

The `paper` broker in the trading app is a simulated trading venue. It is separate from this
developer sandbox: selecting paper in production does not isolate partner registrations, billing
or other account operations. Do not use production to run integration fault-injection checks.