linear-install-auth

# Linear Install & Auth

## Overview
Set up Linear SDK and configure authentication credentials for API access.

## Prerequisites
- Node.js 18+ (Linear SDK is TypeScript/JavaScript only)
- Package manager (npm, pnpm, or yarn)
- Linear account with API access
- Personal API key or OAuth app from Linear settings

## Instructions

### Step 1: Install SDK
```bash
# npm
npm install @linear/sdk

# pnpm
pnpm add @linear/sdk

# yarn
yarn add @linear/sdk
```

### Step 2: Generate API Key
1. Go to Linear Settings > API > Personal API keys
2. Click "Create key"
3. Copy the generated key (shown only once)

### Step 3: Configure Authentication
```bash
# Set environment variable
export LINEAR_API_KEY="lin_api_xxxxxxxxxxxx"

# Or create .env file
echo 'LINEAR_API_KEY=lin_api_xxxxxxxxxxxx' >> .env
```

### Step 4: Verify Connection
```typescript
import { LinearClient } from "@linear/sdk";

const client = new LinearClient({ apiKey: process.env.LINEAR_API_KEY });
const me = await client.viewer;
console.log(`Authenticated as: ${me.name} (${me.email})`);
```

## Output
- Installed `@linear/sdk` package in node_modules
- Environment variable or .env file with API key
- Successful connection verification output

## Error Handling
| Error | Cause | Solution |
|-------|-------|----------|
| `Authentication failed` | Invalid or expired API key | Generate new key in Linear settings |
| `Invalid API key format` | Key doesn't start with `lin_api_` | Verify key format from Linear |
| `Rate limited` | Too many requests | Implement exponential backoff |
| `Module not found` | Installation failed | Run `npm install @linear/sdk` again |
| `Network error` | Firewall blocking | Ensure outbound HTTPS to api.linear.app |

## Examples

### TypeScript Setup
```typescript
import { LinearClient } from "@linear/sdk";

const linearClient = new LinearClient({
  apiKey: process.env.LINEAR_API_KEY,
});

// Verify connection
async function verifyConnection() {
  try {
    const viewer = await linearClient.viewer