The Google Server API key is a secret API key that is not exposed on public pages. Unlike the primary Google Maps API Key, this API Key is used for Geocoding purposes. The geocoding is done during Import Stores when Lat/Long columns need to be fetched from the Google geocoding service.
What is Google Maps API Key? #
The public Google API Maps Key is used on the front end of the store locator. The libraries include Geocoding, Place API, Direction, and Javascript Maps.
What is the Difference Between Two API Keys? #
The Google Public API Key and Google Server API Key are both used to access and authenticate with Google APIs, including services like Google Maps. The primary difference between them lies in how you can apply restrictions to enhance security:
- Google Public API Key:
- HTTP Referrers Restriction: This type of API key is typically used for client-side applications, like JavaScript code that runs in a web browser.
- You can specify the web domains (HTTP referrers) from which the API key can be used. Requests made from web pages on these specified domains are allowed.
- Commonly used for public websites or applications where the API key needs to be embedded in client-side code and exposed to end users.
- Google Server API Key:
- IP Address Restriction: Server API keys are used for server-to-server communication, such as when your server needs to make requests to Google APIs.
- You can specify a list of IP addresses or IP ranges that are allowed to use the API key. Requests originating from these specified IPs are accepted.
- Often used for back-end server applications where the API key is kept secure on the server side and not exposed to the client.
How to Create a Google Server API Key? #
In the guide video, we have demonstrated how you can create both Google API keys, please watch the guide tutorial.