# Quick Start

The Block Entropy API provides interfaces for developers to create intelligence layers in their applications, powered by state-of-the-art, open source language, image, video, and audio models. The BE APIs use a format compatible with OpenAI, allowing developers to use the OpenAI SDK or software compatible with the OpenAI API to access these services.

Key Points:

1. API Compatibility: By modifying the configuration, you can use OpenAI-compatible tools to access Block Entropy APIs.
2. Base URLs:

   `https://api.blockentropy.ai/v1` 
3. API Keys: Services require API keys, which you must apply for and keep secure.
4. Chat Completions:  The API offers chat completion endpoints, which power conversational AI like ChatGPT and provide a way to generate text outputs based on input prompts.
5. Streaming: The API supports streaming responses. Set the `stream` parameter to `true` to enable this feature.

Setup and Usage:

1. Account Setup: Create an account and obtain an API key.
2. Environment Setup:
   * Install Python
   * Set up a virtual environment (optional but recommended)
   * Install the appropriate OpenAI Python library
3. API Key Configuration:
   * Set up the API key for all projects or for a single project
   * Keep the API key secure and do not share it
4. Making API Requests:
   * Use curl, Python, Node.js, or other programming languages to send requests

Example Python Code:

```python
# python3
# Install OpenAI SDK first: `pip3 install openai`
from openai import OpenAI

client = OpenAI(api_key="<blockentropy api key>", base_url="https://api.blockentropy.ai/v1")

response = client.chat.completions.create(
    model="be-405b-base-llama3.1",
    messages=[
        {"role": "system", "content": "You are a helpful assistant"},
        {"role": "user", "content": "Hello"},
    ],
    stream=False
)

print(response.choices[0].message.content)
```