Apex Primer

Examples

Apex REST Callout

Making a REST Callout

Apex REST callout fetches external data with HttpRequest.

Introduction to Apex REST Callouts

Apex REST callouts allow Salesforce developers to send HTTP requests to external services and handle responses within Salesforce. This is crucial for integrating Salesforce with other systems, enabling access to external data and services.

Setting Up an Apex REST Callout

To perform a REST callout in Apex, you need to configure a few key components, including the HttpRequest and HttpResponse classes. You'll also need to set up remote site settings in Salesforce to allow communication with external services.

Creating a Basic HTTP Request

Here’s a simple example of how to create an HTTP GET request in Apex:

Handling HTTP Responses

When performing a callout, it's crucial to handle the response appropriately. In the example above, the status code is checked to determine if the callout was successful. You can parse the response body if needed, often JSON, using the JSON class in Apex.

Error Handling in REST Callouts

Error handling is an essential part of building robust integrations. Use try-catch blocks to handle exceptions that may occur during the callout process.

Best Practices for Apex REST Callouts

When developing Apex REST callouts, consider the following best practices:

  • Always check the HTTP response status code.
  • Use named credentials to simplify authentication.
  • Implement proper error handling and logging.
  • Optimize callout performance by batching requests where possible.

Examples

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