# Get started

Welcome to the Instacart Developer Platform! This section will help you get started with integrating Instacart's services into your application.

## Before you begin[​](#before-you-begin "Direct link to Before you begin")

To get started with the Developer Platform, you'll need:

* ### 1. Get API Access

  Sign up for the Instacart Developer Platform and obtain your API keys.

  [Apply today](https://www.instacart.com/company/business/developers)

  [Get an API key](/developer_platform_api/get_started/api-keys.md)

* ### 2. Review guidelines

  Understand our Terms and conditions, Developer guidelines, and Developer messaging guidelines.

  [Terms and conditions](/developer_platform_api/guide/terms_and_policies/developer_terms.md)

  [Developer guidelines](/developer_platform_api/guide/terms_and_policies/developer_guidelines.md)

  [Developer messaging guidelines](/developer_platform_api/guide/terms_and_policies/developer_messaging.md)

* ### 3. Start building

  Follow a tutorial and explore the API reference documentation.

  [Tutorial](/developer_platform_api/guide/tutorials/create_a_recipe_page.md)

  [API reference](/developer_platform_api/api/overview.md)

## Instacart integration[​](#instacart-integration "Direct link to Instacart integration")

tip

The speed of the build integration is dictated by your team’s resources and capabilities.

The average integration time from access request to demo approval and production key access is approximately 30-40 days.

## Next steps[​](#next-steps "Direct link to Next steps")

1. **Authentication**. Learn how to authenticate your requests and manage your API keys.
2. **Quick start guides**. Begin building with our step-by-step quick start guides.
3. **Build your own custom integration**. Use our API reference guides to build a creation of your own design.