Twitter's API v2, now known as X API Free, provides developers with essential tools to interact with the platform. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the setup process and basic usage.

Getting Started with X API Free

Application Process

1. Visit the X Developer Platform and sign in to your account
2. Click "Sign up for Free Account" to apply for free access
3. Submit a detailed description (minimum 250 words) explaining your intended API usage
4. Complete the developer agreement and terms of service

Essential API Keys

To authenticate your applications, you'll need to obtain seven crucial credentials:

• Consumer API Key and Secret
• Client ID and Client Secret
• Bearer Token
• Access Token and Secret

Usage Limitations and Features

Free Tier Capabilities

The free version of X API allows you to:

• Post tweets (1,500 monthly, 50 daily limit)
• Delete tweets
• Retrieve account information
• Basic timeline access

Authentication Methods

• OAuth 2.0 authentication protocol
• PKCE (Proof Key for Code Exchange) flow support
• Callback URL configuration required

Best Practices and Security

Security Recommendations

1. Store API keys securely
2. Never expose credentials in client-side code
3. Implement rate limiting in your applications
4. Monitor API usage regularly

Implementation Tips

• Use official SDK libraries when available
• Handle API responses properly
• Implement proper error handling
• Follow X's developer guidelines

Conclusion

X API Free offers developers a practical way to integrate Twitter functionality into their applications. While it has limitations, it provides sufficient access for basic Twitter integration needs.

Keywords: Twitter API v2, X API Free, OAuth 2.0, API authentication, developer platform, social media integration