API Keys
Domain: Installation & Setup
Motivation
An API key is a secret string that proves you are allowed to use a service. You get one from the AI provider website and put it in your .env file. Hermes uses it to call the AI model.
Concrete Example
You sign up at OpenRouter, copy your API key, and paste it into .env as OPENROUTER_API_KEY.
Analogy
Like the secret code for your locker. Only you have it, and it lets you open the door.