<!-- Cognau documentation. Source: https://cognau.com/docs/quickstart -->

# Quickstart

Cognau answers one question: **is a live human present right now?** It is not
document KYC. There is no ID upload, no name, no address. A short camera check
runs a few randomized challenges and returns a pass or fail.

The fastest path needs no integration at all.

## 1. Create a verification link

From the dashboard, open **Links** and create one. Or from your terminal:

```bash
curl -X POST https://machine.cognau.com/api/v1/cockpit/verification-links \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $COGNAU_TEST_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"label": "first test", "maxUses": 1}'
```

```json
{
  "success": true,
  "data": {
    "url": "https://verify.cognau.com/?link=cgn_vl_…",
    "prefix": "cgn_vl_ab12cd34",
    "maxUses": 1,
    "expiresAt": 1760000000000
  }
}
```

The URL is returned **once**. Only its hash is stored, so it cannot be shown
again. Copy it now.

## 2. Open it

Open the URL in a browser and complete the check. With a **test** key nothing
real happens: no detection runs, no video frame is stored, and the verdict is
simulated. It costs nothing.

## 3. Read the result

Poll from your backend, or receive a webhook:

```bash
curl https://machine.cognau.com/api/v1/cockpit/sessions \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $COGNAU_TEST_KEY"
```

### Try it right here

Paste a **test** key and send the request. It runs against the real API from
your browser.

```tryit
{
  "method": "POST",
  "path": "/cockpit/verification-links",
  "title": "creates a real link on your test account",
  "body": "{\n  \"label\": \"from the docs\",\n  \"maxUses\": 1,\n  \"expiresInDays\": 7\n}"
}
```

That is the whole loop. When you are ready to put this inside your own product,
there are two routes:

- **[Embed the widget](/docs/embedding)** in an iframe on your page.
- **[Create sessions from your backend](/docs/sessions)** with your secret key,
  which is the production shape.

## Test and live

Every key carries its environment in the string:

| Prefix | Behaviour |
|---|---|
| `cgn_sk_test_…` | Sandbox. No detection, no stored video, simulated verdict, free. |
| `cgn_sk_live_…` | Real verification. Billed per check. |

Build against `test` until your integration is done. The wire format is
identical, so nothing changes when you switch except the key.