How to use API gate io?

I'm curious about utilizing the API gateway offered by Gate.io, could you please guide me through the process? I'm particularly interested in understanding how to authenticate my requests, access market data, and place trades programmatically. Are there any prerequisites I need to fulfill before diving into the API? And could you provide an overview of the different endpoints and their functionalities? Additionally, I'd appreciate it if you could share any best practices or tips for securely handling my API keys and ensuring the reliability of my automated trading strategies.