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I went to get an API key for my StackOverflow C++ wrapper, and discovered that this involves registering an "application".

Does the wrapper count as an app?

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A library should take an app key, not have an app key. Don't register it.

Also, make absolutely sure your wrapper demands an app key at initialization. You don't want a user locked into the No Key request limit erroneously.

If libraries had keys an application abusively using your library (through no fault of yours) could get every application that uses your library blocked.

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  • Just as an addition, if you are going to test your library, don't use a key (that is what no key is for). However, make sure the final product demands and API key.
    – Tyler Carter
    Commented May 19, 2010 at 23:48
  • What if I'm testing an app that uses the wrapper.
    – Nathan Osman
    Commented May 19, 2010 at 23:54
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    @George - During development of a wrapper you don't have to require a key, but every release of it should. This might force an app developer using your wrapper to register for a key earlier than they'd like, but that's the lesser of two evils here.
    – Kevin Montrose
    Commented May 20, 2010 at 0:02

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