# Usage

## Usage

Welcome to the **Anvil API Usage** page! This section outlines the different environments available to interact with the Cardano blockchain, utilizing Anvil’s infrastructure. Each environment caters to a specific stage of development, or type of deployment, so you can choose the one that aligns best with your goals.

### Why Multiple Environments?

Cardano supports multiple network “environments,” each intended for different purposes. These environments allow you to test without risking native ADA, preview upcoming features, or run production-grade services on the live (Mainnet) network.

Anvil provides separate endpoints for each environment to seamlessly move from experimentation to production while keeping the same API methods.

***

## Overview of Anvil Environments

Below is a list of our available endpoints and their corresponding Cardano environments, along with links to detailed documentation and interactive API reference (Swagger UI).

### Available Endpoints

| Environment                      | Endpoint                                         |
| -------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------ |
| Mainnet                          | `https://prod.api.ada-anvil.app/v2/services/`    |
| Preprod                          | `https://preprod.api.ada-anvil.app/v2/services/` |
| Preview                          | `https://preview.api.ada-anvil.app/v2/services/` |
| Staging (Not for public use)     | `https://staging.api.ada-anvil.app/v2/services/` |
| Development (Not for public use) | `https://dev.api.ada-anvil.app/v2/services/`     |
| Test (Not for public use)        | `https://test.api.ada-anvil.app/v2/services/`    |
| Private Cluster                  | Contact Us for details                           |

**Note**: To access any of these endpoints, you must include your **API Key** in the request header. See the next page on Authentication for details on generating and using your API Key.

### Documentation Links

| Environment                      | Cardano Documentation                                                       | OpenAPI (Swagger)                                                      |
| -------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Mainnet                          | [Mainnet Documentation](https://book.play.dev.cardano.org/env-mainnet.html) | [Swagger UI](https://prod.api.ada-anvil.app/v2/services/swagger/ui)    |
| Preprod                          | [Preprod Documentation](https://book.play.dev.cardano.org/env-preprod.html) | [Swagger UI](https://preprod.api.ada-anvil.app/v2/services/swagger/ui) |
| Preview                          | [Preview Documentation](https://book.play.dev.cardano.org/env-preview.html) | [Swagger UI](https://preview.api.ada-anvil.app/v2/services/swagger/ui) |
| Staging (Not for public use)     | -                                                                           | [Swagger UI](https://staging.api.ada-anvil.app/v2/services/swagger/ui) |
| Development (Not for public use) | -                                                                           | [Swagger UI](https://dev.api.ada-anvil.app/v2/services/swagger/ui)     |
| Test (Not for public use)        | -                                                                           | [Swagger UI](https://test.api.ada-anvil.app/v2/services/swagger/ui)    |
| Private Cluster                  | -                                                                           | -                                                                      |

***

### Choosing the Right Environment

* **Mainnet**
  * **Who It’s For**: Production-ready dApps, applications handling real ADA or NFTs, and live user interactions.
  * **Key Benefits**: Fully decentralized, real economic value, backed by Cardano’s production network.
  * **Potential Risks**: Transactions have real financial implications and network fees.
* **Preprod**
  * **Who It’s For**: Users testing smart contracts, token minting, or new features without risking actual ADA.
  * **Key Benefits**: Closely mimics Mainnet behavior, using test tokens (TestAda).
  * **Ideal Use Cases**: Finalizing a project’s functionality before going live.
* **Preview**
  * **Who It’s For**: Developers who want to experiment with upcoming Cardano features.
  * **Key Benefits**: See how new Cardano protocol changes may impact your code.
  * **Ideal Use Cases**: Testing compatibility with future network updates.
* **Private Cluster**
  * **Who It’s For**: Enterprise solutions requiring a dedicated environment, or specialized compliance needs.
  * **Key Benefits**: Customizable settings, enhanced privacy, and dedicated resources.
  * **How to Access**: Reach out to Anvil to discuss your specific requirements.
* **Development, Staging & Test (Internal)**
  * **Who It’s For**: Anvil’s internal testing, staging, and QA processes.
  * **Availability**: Not publicly accessible—used for advanced in-house development.

***

## Getting Started: Your First API Call

Once you have chosen an environment and [obtained your API key](/anvil-api/authentication.md), you can make your first request.

1. **Construct the Request**: Use the correct endpoint for your chosen environment from the table above.
2. **Include Your API Key**: Add the `X-Api-Key` header with your key.

Here is a basic example using cURL to check the health of the Preprod environment:

```bash
curl -X GET \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "X-Api-Key: YOUR_API_KEY_HERE" \
  https://preprod.api.ada-anvil.app/v2/services/health
```

A successful request will return a JSON response confirming the service is operational.

***

## Next Steps

Now that you've made a successful call, you're ready to explore more complex features:

* **Dive Into Guides**: Check out the detailed guides (e.g., **Minting**, **Transactions**) in the sidebar.
* **Review Best Practices**: Read through our [Troubleshooting](/anvil-api/troubleshooting.md) and [FAQ](/anvil-api/faq.md) pages for common tips and solutions.

***

## Common Pitfalls

* **Mixing Environments**: Ensure your transaction details (like UTXOs), and wallets match the environment you are calling (e.g., don't use Mainnet assets on Preprod).
* **Forgetting the API Key**: Requests without a valid `X-Api-Key` header will be rejected.


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