Mastering HTTP Requests in NetSuite: Using the N/http Module

In the world of NetSuite development, interacting with external services via HTTP requests is a common requirement. The N/http module in SuiteScript 2.x empowers developers to perform these tasks effortlessly. This guide explores how to use this module effectively, covering key parameters, best practices, and error handling.

Overview of the N/http Module

Introduced in NetSuite version 2015.2, the N/http module allows both client and server scripts to send HTTP requests. It supports various HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, and PATCH, enabling developers to integrate with numerous web services.

Important: The connection times out if it takes longer than 5 seconds to connect. Sending the request body must also complete within 45 seconds, or a timeout occurs. Note that this feature is unavailable in unauthenticated client-side contexts.

Key Parameters

When using the http.request method, you'll interact with the following key parameters, specified as properties of an options object:

**options.method**: (Required) Specifies the method of the HTTP request using values from the http.Method enum.
**options.url**: (Required) The target URL of the request. Ensure it is a fully qualified HTTP/HTTPS URL.
**options.body**: (Optional) The body content for the request. Applicable only for PUT, POST, and PATCH methods.
**options.headers**: (Optional) An object containing HTTP headers to append to the request.

Error Handling

When crafting HTTP requests, you might encounter specific error codes:

**SSS_INVALID_HOST_CERT**: Triggered by issues with server certificates, such as invalid or untrusted certificates. Verify the syntax and properties of your domain names to mitigate this.
**SSS_INVALID_URL**: Indicates an improperly formatted URL. Ensure all necessary components of a fully qualified URL are present.
**SSS_MISSING_REQD_ARGUMENT**: Occurs when the essential method or url parameters are missing.

Understanding Responses

The response to an HTTP request can either be an http.ClientResponse or an http.ServerResponse, depending on the context of the script. These response objects are read-only and provide essential feedback for the request.

Best Practices for Using N/http

Always validate your URLs and test your HTTP requests in a controlled environment to prevent issues in production environments.
Consider implementing retries for failed requests due to transient network conditions.
Use proper error handling to catch and respond to potential issues gracefully.

Key Takeaways

The N/http module is vital for HTTP integration tasks in NetSuite.
Timeouts occur if connections take more than 5 seconds or if the payload sending exceeds 45 seconds.
Proper error handling and validation are crucial for robust HTTP request operations.
The options object parameters allow granular control over the request configuration.

By following these guidelines and leveraging the N/http module effectively, you can integrate external services seamlessly within your NetSuite environment.