Understand the idea

A license key is like a ticket. Your software checks the ticket before allowing a protected feature.

What you will do

Understand the four actions without writing code.

An API is the HTTPS interface your program calls. An SDK is a ready-made client library that makes those calls and checks responses. A signed response includes proof that the server's access decision was not changed.

1. Customer buys
2. Gets a license key
3. Your app activates
4. Your app checks access

1. Your customer receives a key, manually or after a verified purchase.
2. Activate connects that key to one installation: one installed copy of your app.
3. Validate asks whether that installation still has access.
4. Deactivate releases its device seat when moving to another computer.

A device seat is one allowed installation. An entitlement is a feature or limit, such as PDF export or two devices.

Expected result

You can explain why receiving a key is not the same as permission to unlock a feature.

If it does not work

If you only want to send keys, skip coding and use the non-programmer route in Stage 12.

Stage checklist

• I know the difference between a key, an installation and a signed access decision.

Next steps

Continue to Stage 2: Set up your Sandbox

You are here: Stage 1 of 14. Mark stage complete