> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.apigene.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# MCP Gateway Authentication

> How to authenticate with the MCP Gateway

## Authentication Methods

The MCP Gateway supports two authentication methods:

### OAuth Authentication (Recommended for User Applications)

Use OAuth when you need user-specific access:

* Automatically handled by your MCP client
* User context is maintained
* Actions are tracked per user
* No additional configuration needed

### API Key Authentication (For Server Integrations)

Use API keys for automated systems:

* Include `apigene-api-key` header in requests
* Direct server-to-server access
* No user context required
* Ideal for automated workflows

## How to Choose

**Use OAuth when:**

* Building user-facing applications
* Need to track actions per user
* Want automatic token management

**Use API key when:**

* Building server-to-server integrations
* Running automated systems
* Don't need user context

## Next Steps

* [Learn about available tools](/user-guide/mcp-gateway/mcp-gateway-tools)
* [See usage examples](/user-guide/mcp-gateway/mcp-gateway-examples)