Many Brightkite API operations and some of the feeds require authentication. We offer 2 ways to authenticate: HTTP Basic Authentication and OAuth.

HTTP Basic Authentication

To use HTTP Basic Authentication, simply specify your username and password along with the request. Here is an example of how to do it using curl:
 
curl http://brightkite.com/people/hiro/friendstream.rss --basic -u username:password

OAuth

Go to http://brightkite.com/people/<your username>/developed_apps to set up your OAuth application.

http://brightkite.com/me/developed_apps 

 

See OAuth.net for more information on OAuth.