generated: '2026-07-19'
method: searched
source: https://www.api.stream/docs/account/
docs: https://www.api.stream/docs/account/
summary: >-
  API.stream separates development from production at the account and API-key level rather than
  by key prefix. Every partner starts on a free Development account whose API key is
  deliberately limited; a Production account is provisioned by Lightstream at launch and is
  billed. Developers keep the Development account and key after launch for ongoing testing.
modes:
- name: development
  key: Development API Key
  billed: false
  frontend_embeddable: true
  limits:
  - Broadcasts are limited to a few minutes in duration.
  - Access tokens minted against the Development API Key are intentionally limited in
    capability, duration and scope.
  intended_use: development, testing and R&D
- name: production
  key: Production API Key
  billed: true
  frontend_embeddable: false
  provisioning: contact Lightstream to be set up with a Production account
  rules:
  - The Production API Key must only be used for the production product, never for testing or
    R&D.
  - The Production API Key must only be used from a backend server to obtain an Access Token on
    behalf of users; it must never be embedded in a native or browser-based client.
test_values:
  published: false
  notes: >-
    API.stream publishes no magic test identifiers, test cards, fixture generators or time/clock
    simulation. Testing is done against a real (duration-limited) Development broadcast. Nothing
    is invented here.
test_flow:
  description: >-
    The documented quickstart path is to call BackendAuthenticationService_CreateAccessToken with
    the Development API Key directly from the test application, then use the returned access
    token for the remaining Live / Layout / Event calls.
  operations:
  - openapi/lightstream-live-openapi-original.yml#BackendAuthenticationService_CreateAccessToken
  - openapi/lightstream-live-openapi-original.yml#CollectionService_CreateCollection
  - openapi/lightstream-live-openapi-original.yml#ProjectService_CreateProject
  runnable_examples: examples/lightstream-examples.yml