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[ARTICLE · art-16630] src=news.ycombinator.com ↗ pub= topic=large-language-models verified=true sentiment=· neutral

Why do LLM keys all start with sk?

A Hacker News user asked why large language model API keys consistently use the "sk-" prefix, contrasting with the varied formats of older API keys. The question highlights a shift in API key conventions driven by the rise of LLM providers.

read1 min views13 publishedMay 28, 2026

Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login Why do LLM keys all start with sk? 2 points by swaraj 7 minutes ago | hide | past | favorite | discuss Genuinely curious, as a builder for so long, API keys took all shapes and sizes, but what's with the sk prefix these days? help Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact Search:

source & further reading
news.ycombinator.com — original article Ask HN: Has AI changed the quality of HN posts? AI and the Fall of Writing Ask HN: Recommended technographic API?
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