# Authentication

Architect uses an OAuth provider to authenticate users on the platform. Users may create confidential API keys for programmatic access to Architect services. API keys must then be exchanged for short-lived JWTs, for direct connectivity to Architect for order entry and marketdata.

<figure><img src="/files/wozNpwvUGRWTQuC0b6er" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.architect.co/concepts/authentication.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.