From e2c4a5264c691dc528be8ae9ca668676da53c976 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Olivier <legendre.oli@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 14 Sep 2026 20:06:45 -0400
Subject: [PATCH] fix: check API key before starting recording

Previously the API key was only validated after stopping the
recording, wasting a full take if no key was configured. Now
startRecording() checks the transcription provider's API key
up front and aborts with a notice before touching the mic.
---
 main.ts                           | 4 ++++
 src/transcription/AudioHandler.ts | 2 +-
 2 files changed, 5 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-)

diff --git a/main.ts b/main.ts
index 65210be..d821ad4 100644
--- a/main.ts
+++ b/main.ts
@@ -89,6 +89,10 @@ export default class NibbleAI extends Plugin {
 			new Notice("Already recording");
 			return;
 		}
+		if (!this.audioHandler.getTranscriptionApiKey()) {
+			new Notice("✘ Add your API key for the selected transcription provider in NibbleAI settings");
+			return;
+		}
 		try {
 			await this.recorder.startRecording();
 			this.statusBar.updateStatus(RecordingStatus.Recording);
diff --git a/src/transcription/AudioHandler.ts b/src/transcription/AudioHandler.ts
index a6fbc48..4bcd70b 100644
--- a/src/transcription/AudioHandler.ts
+++ b/src/transcription/AudioHandler.ts
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ export class AudioHandler {
 		}
 	}
 
-	private getTranscriptionApiKey(): string {
+	getTranscriptionApiKey(): string {
 		switch (this.plugin.settings.transcriptionProvider) {
 			case "groq":
 				return this.plugin.settings.groqApiKey;