GitHub API

Set up a personal access token for the GitHub API.

⏱ 3 minutes developer-tools git github.com

getapi github

Prerequisites

Variable	Description	Sensitive
`GITHUB_TOKEN`	Personal access token (fine-grained or classic)	Secret

1 Info

We'll create a GitHub personal access token. GitHub recommends fine-grained tokens for new projects, but classic tokens are simpler.
2 Choice
Which type of token do you want?
- Fine-grained (recommended)
  
  → Jumps to open_fine_grained
  
  Configures: token_note
- Classic
  
  → Jumps to open_classic
  
  Configures: token_note
3 Open URL

Opening the fine-grained token creation page.
https://github.com/settings/personal-access-tokens/new
4 Info

Give the token a descriptive name and set an expiration. token_note
5 Input

Copy your new token and paste it here:

→ GITHUB_TOKEN

At least 20 characters
6 Validate

Checking your token works...

Token verified. You're all set.

Couldn't verify the token. Make sure it hasn't expired and has the necessary permissions.
7 Open URL

Opening the classic token creation page.
https://github.com/settings/tokens/new
8 Info

Give the token a descriptive name and set an expiration. token_note
9 Input

Copy your new token and paste it here:

→ GITHUB_TOKEN

At least 20 characters
10 Validate

Checking your token works...

Token verified. You're all set.

Couldn't verify the token. Make sure it hasn't expired and has the necessary permissions.

Tokens are only shown once when created. Store them immediately.
Fine-grained tokens can be scoped to specific repositories — classic tokens apply to your entire account.
Set an expiration date. Tokens without expiry are a security risk.
For GitHub Actions, use repository secrets instead of personal access tokens.