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

# Quick Start

> Get started with the HTTPayer Python SDK in minutes

## Prequisites

* HTTPayer API Key (for Proxy mode) or Private Key (for Relay mode)
* If using Proxy mode:
  * Account funded with credits for payments
* If using Relay mode:
  * USDC on a supported chain for payments (defaults to USDC on Base for EVM private key, USDC on Solana for Solana private key)

## Proxy Mode (Simplest)

Use your HTTPayer API key for account-based payments.

```python theme={null}
from httpayer import HTTPayerClient

# Initialize with API key from environment
client = HTTPayerClient()

# Make a request - automatically handles 402 payments
response = client.request("GET", "https://api.example.com/protected")

print(response.status_code)  # 200
print(response.json())       # API data
```

## Relay Mode (Self-Custodial)

Use your own wallet for self-custodial payments.

### EVM Wallet

```python theme={null}
import os
from httpayer import HTTPayerClient

client = HTTPayerClient(
    private_key=os.getenv("EVM_PRIVATE_KEY")
)

response = client.request("GET", "https://api.example.com/protected")
print(response.json())
```

### Solana Wallet

```python theme={null}
import os
from httpayer import HTTPayerClient

client = HTTPayerClient(
    private_key=os.getenv("SOLANA_PRIVATE_KEY")
)

response = client.request("GET", "https://api.example.com/protected")
print(response.json())
```

## Simulate Before Paying

Preview payment costs without executing:

```python theme={null}
# Dry-run simulation
sim = client.request("GET", "https://api.example.com/protected", simulate=True)
print(sim.json())  # Shows payment requirements

# Execute actual payment
response = client.request("GET", "https://api.example.com/protected")
print(response.json())  # Actual data
```

## Next Steps

* [Full API Reference](/sdks/python/api-reference/client)
* [Supported Networks](/api/introduction#supported-networks)