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

# Environment

> Learn about the production and sandbox environment

The Nomba API operates within two distinct environments: the production environment (LIVE) and the sandbox environment. These environments serve different purposes and require specific credentials for interaction.

## Base URLs

| Environment | Base URL                    | Purpose                       |
| ----------- | --------------------------- | ----------------------------- |
| Production  | `https://api.nomba.com`     | Live transactions, real money |
| Sandbox     | `https://sandbox.nomba.com` | Development and testing       |

<Warning>
  The base URL and credentials must always be paired to match the same environment. Using sandbox credentials with `api.nomba.com`, or production credentials with `sandbox.nomba.com`, will result in authentication errors.
</Warning>

## Credentials

<Frame caption="Production/Sandbox Keys">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/nombainc/VJp6uGRaVI4ms-qk/images/environment-1.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=VJp6uGRaVI4ms-qk&q=85&s=9fcdc704abbff7f5ed2f396bbddfdd78" style={{ borderRadius: '0.5rem' }} loading="lazy" width="3840" height="2914" data-path="images/environment-1.png" />
</Frame>

When you create an API key on the Nomba dashboard, both production and sandbox credential pairs (`clientId` + `clientSecret`) are generated at the same time. They are separate — sandbox credentials only work with the sandbox base URL, and production credentials only work with the production base URL.

## Production

When using the production environment, your interactions directly affect the live system. Real transactions are processed and real money moves. Always use `https://api.nomba.com` with your production `clientId` and `clientSecret`.

## Sandbox

The sandbox is an isolated environment for development and testing. Transactions do not affect your live account or move real funds.

<Note>
  Transactions conducted in the sandbox environment do not impact the production environment.
</Note>

To make a sandbox API call, use `https://sandbox.nomba.com` with your **test credentials** from the dashboard. Here is a sample sandbox authentication request:

```bash theme={null}
curl --request POST \
  --url https://sandbox.nomba.com/v1/auth/token/issue \
  --header 'Content-Type: application/json' \
  --header 'accountId: <your-sandbox-accountId>' \
  --data '{
    "grant_type": "client_credentials",
    "client_id": "<your-sandbox-clientId>",
    "client_secret": "<your-sandbox-clientSecret>"
  }'
```

The sandbox returns simulated responses that mirror production behaviour. Data in the sandbox is isolated and does not appear on your live dashboard. See the [Testing](/docs/api-basics/testing) page for test card details and transaction scenarios.