# Getting Started Welcome to SMTPD! Before you can start using the SMTPD you'll need to create an account. You can do that directly via the API of from our sign-up form at . Once you've created an account all features are automatically enabled *except* sending, which requires verifcation from our support team. They will reach our via email to confirm your details before sending is enabled. Our API is organized around [REST](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Representational_State_Transfer), has predictable resource-oriented URLs, accepts [JSON-encoded](http://www.json.org/) request bodies, returns [JSON-encoded](http://www.json.org/) responses, and uses standard HTTP response codes, authentication, and verbs. Before you can use the SMTPD REST APIs, you will need to have a valid API key. **IMPORTANT!** Make sure to copy and paste the API key when it is displayed after saving. The whole API key is shown **ONE TIME ONLY**. After navigating away from that page recovery of a lost key is impossible. Keep your API keys in a safe and secure place. Treat them like passwords and never share them with anyone. --- # 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.smtpd.dev/master/getting-started.md?ask= ``` 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.