Connecting to an API Without a Connector Using HTTP Callout
Use HTTP Callout to connect flows to external APIs without coding, eliminating the need
for developers or middleware tools. Flow Builder automatically generates external service
registrations and Apex classes when you configure the action. Use the API response data as input
in Salesforce.
Admins who have the Customize Applications user permission can use HTTP Callout. You must be
familiar with how APIs work and have the API document for the endpoint you’re calling.
The HTTP Callout configuration is powered by External Services, which makes the action reusable
and invocable in Flow Builder and across your Salesforce org. Before you configure an integration
with HTTP Callout, you set up authentication in Setup > Named Credentials so that the external
service can connect to the API.
Example
You can use HTTP Callout to connect a flow to a variety of APIs.
Get address information using a map API–When a user enters an address into a screen flow, a
real-time call to the Maps API provider is triggered. The provider sends back details on the
address and displays business hours within the screen flow.
Get weather conditions with a weather service API–Perform a daily callout to a weather
service and check the weather for a specific area. If the weather meets certain conditions,
notify students that class is indoors or outdoors.
Get payment authorization information with a payment processing API–Call a payment processor
with an invoice number and verify whether a payment has been made and has cleared.
Add records to an inventory system when product records are added to Salesforce.
Add leads and contacts to an external marketing automation tool.
Process a payment transaction through an external payment gateway.
Update existing order information in an external order management system.
Configuring an HTTP Callout Action Connect Flow Builder to an HTTP-based API without using code. To establish a connection between the API and Salesforce, you create an external credential and a named credential in Setup. Then, HTTP Callout guides you through describing the functionality of your API and the endpoint that you’re connecting to. Based on the information that you enter, Flow Builder generates an external service with a corresponding invocable action that you can use across Salesforce.
Manage HTTP Callout Actions When you create an HTTP Callout action in a flow, Flow Builder creates an external service object and an invocable action object. Anyone with permissions in your org can reuse the invocable action in Flow Builder and across Salesforce.
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