> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://wb-21fd5541-docs-1778-mysql-updates.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Prerequisites

> Set up your environment to use W&B Inference


Complete these steps before using the W\&B Inference service through the API or UI.

<Tip>
  Before starting, review the [usage information and limits](/inference/usage-limits/) to understand costs and restrictions.
</Tip>

## Set up your W\&B account and project

You need these items to access W\&B Inference:

1. **A W\&B account**\
   Sign up at [W\&B](https://app.wandb.ai/login?signup=true)

2. **A W\&B API key**\
   Get your API key at [https://wandb.ai/authorize](https://wandb.ai/authorize)

3. **A W\&B project**\
   Create a project in your W\&B account to track usage

## Set up your environment (Python)

To use the Inference API with Python, you also need to:

1. Complete the general requirements above

2. Install the required libraries:

   ```bash theme={null}
   pip install openai weave
   ```

<Note>
  **Note**

  The `weave` library is optional but recommended. It lets you trace your LLM applications. Learn more in the [Weave Quickstart](/models/quickstart/).

  See [usage examples](/inference/examples/) for code samples using W\&B Inference with Weave.
</Note>

## Next steps

After completing the prerequisites:

* Check the [API reference](/inference/api-reference/) to learn about available endpoints
* Try the [usage examples](/inference/examples/) to see the service in action
* Use the [UI guide](/inference/ui-guide/) to access models through the web interface