# Quickstart Guide

> Go from zero to accepting Bitcoin payments in under 10 minutes. Step-by-step guide with code examples for Node.js, Python, and Ruby.

Source: https://www.satsrail.com/developers/guides/quickstart/

From zero to accepting Bitcoin in under 10 minutes.

### 1. Create Your Account

Sign up for a free SatsRail merchant account. No bank approval, no credit checks.

[Create Account →](https://satsrail.com/users/sign_up)

### 2. Get Your API Keys

From your merchant dashboard, go to **API Keys** to find your keys:

- **Secret key** — starts with `sk_live_` or `sk_test_` (keep this server-side, never expose to clients)
- **Publishable key** — starts with `pk_live_` or `pk_test_` (safe for client-side, can only create checkout sessions)

> **⚠️ Start with test keys.** Use `sk_test_` keys during development. They create isolated test data that never touches real payment providers.

### 3. Install an SDK

Pick your language:

```
# Node.js
npm install satsrail

# Python
pip install satsrail

# Ruby
gem install satsrail
```

Or skip the SDK and use the REST API directly with curl.

### 4. Create Your First Order

###### curl

```
curl -X POST https://app.satsrail.com/api/v1/m/orders \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer sk_test_..." \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "amount_usd": 50.00,
    "description": "Order #1234"
  }'
```

###### Node.js

```
import SatsRail from 'satsrail';

const sr = new SatsRail('sk_test_...');
const order = await sr.orders.create({
  amount_usd: 50.00,
  description: 'Order #1234'
});
console.log(order.lightning_invoice);
```

###### Python

```
import satsrail

sr = satsrail.Client("sk_test_...")
order = sr.orders.create(
    amount_usd=50.00,
    description="Order #1234"
)
print(order.lightning_invoice)
```

###### Ruby

```
require "satsrail"

SatsRail.api_key = "sk_test_..."
order = SatsRail::Order.create(
  amount_usd: 50.00,
  description: "Order #1234"
)
puts order.lightning_invoice
```

### 5. Listen for Webhooks

Set up a webhook endpoint to get notified when payments complete, orders update, and more. SatsRail signs every webhook with HMAC-SHA256 so you can verify authenticity.

[Webhook Guide →](https://www.satsrail.com/developers/)

### 6. Go Live

When you're ready for production, swap your test keys for live keys:

- Replace `sk_test_` with `sk_live_`
- Replace `pk_test_` with `pk_live_`

That's it. Same code, real payments.

## Ready to build?

Create a free account and start integrating today.

[Get Your API Key →](https://satsrail.com/users/sign_up)