HackUTD 2024
Everything you need to start hacking with Pinata
Welcome to the Pinata HackUTD cheat sheet! This doc will have everything you need to know about:
- Getting Started with Pinata
- Challenge and Prizes
- Tutorials and Guides
What is Pinata?
Pinata makes file uploads easy for developers who need fast and zero-setup soltuions. We’ve seen the struggles with solutions like S3 for file uploads, and we knew we could make it better Our primary product, the Files API, makes it as simple as one line of code to upload a file:
Retreiving files is just as easy!
Built on years of experience with IPFS, Pinata has scaled companies to serve high volumes of requests and bandwidth, as well as developers who are just starting out. Next time you think you need S3, consider spending less time and go with Pinata.
Challenge Statement
Pinata makes file storage and retrieval incredibly simple, freeing you from the complexity of AWS S3 setups and tricky IAM policies. We’re challenging teams to unleash their creativity and build the most unique, game-changing full-stack application using only Pinata—no external databases allowed. Show us how you can push boundaries and create something that truly stands out!
Quickstart
Almost all of our features are on the free account, but if you find yourself limited and need a paid account contact [email protected]
Getting Started with Pinata
Getting Started with Pinata
1. Get API key and Gateway URL
Inside the Pinata App select “API Keys” from the sidebar, then click “New Key” in the top right. We would recommend starting with Admin privileges and unlimited uses to start. You will receive a pinata_api_key
, pinata_api_secret
, and a JWT
. The JWT is the most common authentication method and what we’ll be using below.
Next you will want to grab your Gateway domain by clicking the Gateways tab in the sidebar. You should see it listed in the format fun-llama-300.mypinata.cloud
and you will want to copy it exactly like that.
2. Install and Setup SDK
In the root of your project run the install command with your package manager of choice.
Import and initialize the SDK in your codebase with the API key and Gateway from the previous step
PINATA_JWT
is a secret key, be sure to initialize the SDK in a secure environment and practice basic variable security practices. If you need to upload from a client environment, consider using signed JWTs3. Upload a File
Use the upload
method to upload a File object.
You should get a response object like the one below
The unique thing about Pinata’s File API is the CID or Content Identifier. Its a unique hash based on the content ofthe file.
4. Retrieve a File through a Gateway
Use the cid
of a file to fetch it through a Gateway, or create a signed URL.
Prizes
1st Place: AirPods Max
2nd Place: Apple Watch Series 10
3rd Place: Apple HomePod Mini
Example Apps
To get some inspiration, here’s a starter app using the Private Files API. https://github.com/PinataCloud/memorii
For more advance usage that takes advantage of key-values and other Pinata features, check out snippets.so
Tutorials

Using File-Centric Architecture to Build Simple and Capable Apps

How to Use Pinata with Cursor, Zed, and other LLMs

How To Build An AI-Powered App To Chat With Your CSVs

How to Build a Chattanooga Video Wall

How To Build a Simple Podcast Hosting App

How to Create a Public Database With PGLite
More Tutorials
Need Help?
We got troops on the ground! 🫡 Come find us at our table, shoot us an email, or chat with us on Discord!
Steve Simkins
Lindsey Mazy
Kyle Tut
CEO, Vibe Dreamer
Email: No email, v exclusive, find the cowboy hat to chat