> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.thundercompute.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Authentication

> Authenticate Thunder Compute services within VSCode. Manage API keys and SSH credentials to ensure secure access to your remote instances.

<Columns cols={3}>
  <Card title="VS Code" icon="window" color="#95c5ea" className="platform-card platform-current">
    Editor extension
  </Card>

  <Card title="CLI" icon="terminal" href="/cli/operations/authentication" color="#95c5ea" className="platform-card">
    Command line
  </Card>

  <Card title="Console" icon="browser" href="/console/operations/authentication" color="#95c5ea" className="platform-card">
    Web interface
  </Card>
</Columns>

## Log In

The extension may prompt you to log in automatically when you first install it.

If not, open the command palette with `Ctrl + Shift + P` (or `Cmd + Shift + P` on macOS) and run:

```
Thunder Compute: Login
```

Your browser will open automatically to complete authentication via OAuth.

## Log Out

Open the command palette and run:

```
Thunder Compute: Logout
```

## Managing API Tokens

API tokens authenticate your CLI and extension access. You can manage them in the [console](https://console.thundercompute.com/settings/tokens).

* **Generate tokens**: Create new tokens for each device or use case
* **Revoke tokens**: Remove access for specific tokens without affecting others
* **Token persistence**: Tokens never expire unless manually revoked

<Note>
  Use unique tokens for each device so you can revoke access individually if needed.
</Note>

## Adding a Payment Method

Before creating instances, you need a payment method on file. Visit the [billing settings](https://console.thundercompute.com/settings/billing) to add a credit card.