Mastering SuiteScript 2.x: Effective Use of the N/http Module for HTTP Requests
Understand how to send HTTP requests using SuiteScript 2.x's N/http module for robust NetSuite integrations.
In NetSuite, integrating with external systems often requires sending or receiving data over HTTP. The N/http module in SuiteScript 2.x provides a streamlined API to handle these HTTP operations, allowing developers to create robust integrations.
Overview of the N/http Module
The N/http module supports making HTTP requests via various methods like GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, and PATCH. In essence, it serves as a bridge between NetSuite scripts and external web services. As of version 2015.2, developers can use this module in both client and server scripts to build versatile and secure integrations.
Key HTTP Methods
- GET: Retrieve data from a server.
- POST: Send data to be processed.
- PUT: Update existing data on a server.
- DELETE: Remove data from a server.
Usage Guidelines
To send an HTTP request using this module, a few critical parameters must be specified:
- options.method: Denotes the HTTP method; this parameter is mandatory.
- options.url: The target URL for the request; must be fully qualified.
- options.body: Optional data to include with the request; applicable for PUT, POST, and PATCH methods.
- options.headers: Optional object containing HTTP headers to include with the request.
Handling Responses
The response from an HTTP request is encapsulated in a read-only object: either http.ClientResponse for client-side scripts or http.ServerResponse for server-side scripts. This response object facilitates data retrieval, including headers and body content from the external server.
Error Handling
Handling errors effectively is crucial when performing HTTP operations:
- SSS_INVALID_HOST_CERT: Usually arises from security misconfigurations like invalid certificates.
- SSS_INVALID_URL: Triggered by improperly formatted URLs. Ensure URLs are complete and structured correctly.
- SSS_MISSING_REQD_ARGUMENT: Indicates missing method or URL parameters, essential for a successful request.
Governance and Execution Limits
Each HTTP request consumes 10 governance units. It's imperative to manage these limits prudently, especially in scripts running at scale. Also, note that the standard timeout limits are 5 seconds for connecting and 45 seconds for sending the payload.
Example Script
var response = http.request({
method: http.Method.GET,
url: 'http://www.example.com',
headers: { 'Accept-Language': 'en-us' }
});
This example shows a basic GET request, fetching data from an example domain. Adjust the url, method, and headers to fit specific needs.
Key Takeaways
- The N/http module facilitates HTTP communication, vital for integrations.
- Properly structure your requests, always specifying the method and URL.
- Pay attention to governance limits and plan for error handling.
- Keep scripts efficient to accommodate the execution time limits.
By mastering the N/http module, developers can leverage NetSuite to exchange data seamlessly with external systems, broadening the platform's capabilities.