How do I properly use curl basic auth for API authentication?

Wow, thanks everyone for the detailed replies! I tried the `-u` flag, and it worked like a charm. I also encoded the credentials manually using base64, and that cleared up the issues I was having.

I’m still a bit nervous about the plain text creds, though. I’ll look into using environment variables or a .netrc file like some of you suggested.

One follow-up question: what’s the best way to test APIs with curl basic auth without exposing my credentials? Any tools or methods you’d recommend?

Thanks again, you all rock!