Skip to content

TMDB_API_SETUP.md

Latest commit

 

History

History
76 lines (60 loc) · 2.32 KB

TMDB_API_SETUP.md

File metadata and controls

76 lines (60 loc) · 2.32 KB

TMDB API Setup Instructions

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Get Your TMDB API Key

The app requires a TMDB API key to fetch movie details. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Create a TMDB Account

  1. Go to The Movie Database
  2. Click "Join TMDB" to create a free account
  3. Verify your email address

Step 2: Request an API Key

  1. Log in to your TMDB account
  2. Go to API Settings
  3. Click "Create" or "Request an API Key"
  4. Select "Developer" option
  5. Accept the terms of use
  6. Fill in the application form:
    • Application Name: NovaStream (or your app name)
    • Application URL: http://localhost (or your domain)
    • Application Summary: A movie streaming app that displays movie information
  7. Submit the form

Step 3: Add API Key to Your App

  1. Once approved (usually instant), copy your API Key (v3 auth)
  2. Open src/services/tmdbService.js
  3. Replace the placeholder with your key:
const TMDB_API_KEY = 'YOUR_API_KEY_HERE'; // Paste your key here

Step 4: Restart Your App

npm start

Testing the API

After adding your key, the Details screen should now display:

  • ✅ Movie backdrop and poster images
  • ✅ Cast members with photos
  • ✅ Budget & Revenue information
  • ✅ User reviews
  • ✅ Recommendations
  • ✅ Working trailer button
  • ✅ Production companies
  • ✅ Discussion links

Troubleshooting

"Request failed" Error

  • Check that you've replaced 'YOUR_API_KEY_HERE' with your actual key
  • Ensure there are no extra spaces in the key
  • Verify the key is active in your TMDB account settings

No Data Showing

  • Make sure your device/emulator has internet connection
  • Check the movie title matches TMDB's database
  • Look at the terminal/console for specific error messages

API Rate Limits

  • Free TMDB accounts have rate limits (40 requests per 10 seconds)
  • This is usually sufficient for normal app usage
  • If you hit limits, wait 10 seconds and try again

API Key Security

For Production Apps:

  • Never commit API keys to public repositories
  • Use environment variables or secure config
  • Consider using a backend proxy to hide your key

Resources