> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://samltd-6c86be8d.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Get Started with TMDB: API Key Setup and Launch

> Learn how to set up TMDB and start discovering movies and TV shows in just a few minutes, from getting your API key to your first search.

Getting TMDB up and running takes just a few minutes. You'll sign up for a free API key, connect it to the app, and be browsing trending movies and TV shows before you know it. This guide walks you through every step from a fresh start to your first search.

<Note>
  TMDB requires a free API key from [The Movie Database](https://www.themoviedb.org/) to load any content. Without a valid key, the app will not display movies, shows, or any other data. The key is free and takes only a moment to obtain.
</Note>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Get your free TMDB API key">
    Go to [themoviedb.org](https://www.themoviedb.org/signup) and create a free account. Once you're signed in, navigate to **Settings → API** and submit a request for a new API key. Select **Developer** as the use type and fill in the short application form. Your key is typically issued immediately.

    <Tip>
      Keep your API key private. Treat it like a password — don't commit it directly to source control or share it publicly.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Clone or download the TMDB app">
    Get a copy of the TMDB app on your machine. You can clone the repository using Git or download it as a ZIP from the repository page.

    ```bash theme={null}
    git clone https://github.com/Sammex45/TMDB.git
    cd TMDB
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add your API key to the app configuration">
    Create a `.env` file in the root of the project directory and add your API key as an environment variable. The app reads this value at startup to authenticate all requests to The Movie Database API.

    ```text .env theme={null}
    REACT_APP_TMDB_API_KEY=your_api_key_here
    ```

    Replace `your_api_key_here` with the API key you received in step 1. For full configuration options and alternative setup methods, see [API key setup](/configuration/api-key).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install dependencies and run the app">
    Install the project's dependencies, then start the local development server.

    ```bash theme={null}
    npm install
    npm start
    ```

    The app will compile and launch. Wait for the terminal to confirm the server is ready before continuing.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the app and start exploring">
    Open your browser and go to `http://localhost:3000`. You should see the TMDB home screen with a curated list of trending movies and TV shows, refreshed daily from The Movie Database. From here you can search for titles, browse by genre, or tap into any movie or show for full details and cast information.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Next steps

Now that TMDB is running, here are the best places to go next.

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Browse movies and shows" icon="film" href="/features/browsing">
    Learn how to navigate trending, popular, and top-rated content across movies and TV shows.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Search" icon="magnifying-glass" href="/features/search">
    Use TMDB's search to find any title, person, or keyword in the full catalog.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Movie details" icon="circle-info" href="/features/movie-details">
    Explore what's available on each movie page — ratings, cast, trailers, and more.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>