#httpAction vs action

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quick inlet
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If I have an HTTP endpoint that I make using an HTTP action, and then I want to call out to 3rd party APIs. Do I write a separate action or do I just write whatever logic I want within the HTTP action? Any pros and cons here?

pallid tundraBOT
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Hi @quick inlet. I'm kapa.ai, your friendly support bot. I will try to answer your question by searching through the knowledge base. :wave:

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To answer your question about using HTTP actions versus regular actions in Convex for calling external APIs, let's consider the key differences and recommendations:

  1. HTTP Actions:
    HTTP actions in Convex are designed to handle incoming HTTP requests and return HTTP responses. They can interact with Convex data indirectly by running queries, mutations, and actions Functions > HTTP Actions (https://docs.convex.dev/functions/http-actions).

  2. Regular Actions:
    Regular actions in Convex can run in either the default Convex runtime or the Node.js runtime. They are more flexible for calling external APIs and using npm packages Functions > Actions > Calling third-party APIs and using NPM packages (https://docs.convex.dev/functions/actions#calling-third-party-apis-and-using-npm-packages).

Recommendation:
For your use case of calling search body APIs from an HTTP endpoint, it's generally recommended to separate concerns:

  1. Use the HTTP action to handle the incoming HTTP request.
  2. Call a separate regular action to perform the external API call.

Here's why:

Pros of using a separate action:

  1. Better separation of concerns - HTTP handling vs. external API logic.
  2. Reusability - The action can be called from other parts of your application if needed.
  3. Flexibility - Regular actions can run in Node.js environment if required for certain npm packages Functions > Runtimes > Default Convex runtime > Actions (https://docs.convex.dev/functions/runtimes#actions).
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Cons of putting everything in the HTTP action:

  1. Limited runtime environment - HTTP actions run in Convex's custom JavaScript environment, which may not support all npm packages Discord support thread: Using gemini with openai library working in action but not http action (https://discord.com/channels/1019350475847499849/1308626608168505404).
  2. Potential for timeout - Complex logic within an HTTP action might lead to timeouts.

Implementation approach:

  1. Create an HTTP action to handle the incoming request.
  2. Within the HTTP action, call a separate regular action to perform the external API call.
  3. Use ctx.runAction() to call the regular action from within the HTTP action Discord support thread: http actions calling external queries (https://discord.com/channels/1019350475847499849/1304624022876590090).

This approach provides a clean separation of concerns while leveraging the strengths of both HTTP actions and regular actions in Convex.

Note: you can ask me a follow up question by @ mentioning me again :speech_balloon:

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@quick inlet Kapa.ai is still learning and improving, please let me know how I did by reacting below.

quick inlet
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@pallid tundra I have a custom action that I can't invoke it, how do I do that?

http.route({
path: '/monday/get_sheet_options',
method: 'POST',
handler: httpAction(async (ctx, request) => {
// Call the action and pass 'request' as an argument
const response = await ctx.runAction(getSheetOptions, { request });
return response;
}),
});

Argument of type 'RegisteredAction<"public", { request: any; }, Promise<any>>' is not assignable to parameter of type 'FunctionReference<"action", "public" | "internal">'.ts(2345)

pallid tundraBOT
#

Let me check the knowledge base for you again. One moment! :books:

#

To resolve the issue you're encountering when trying to invoke a custom action from an HTTP action, let's look at the correct way to use ctx.runAction() in Convex:

The error message suggests that there's a type mismatch between the action you're trying to run and what ctx.runAction() expects. Here's how you can fix this:

  1. First, make sure your custom action (getSheetOptions) is properly defined using the action() constructor from Convex. It should look something like this:
import { action } from "./_generated/server";

export const getSheetOptions = action({
  handler: async (ctx, args) => {
    // Your action logic here
  },
});
  1. When calling the action from your HTTP action, you need to use the correct reference. Import your action and use it like this:
import { httpAction } from "./_generated/server";
import { api } from "./_generated/api";

http.route({
  path: '/monday/get_sheet_options',
  method: 'POST',
  handler: httpAction(async (ctx, request) => {
    const response = await ctx.runAction(api.yourFile.getSheetOptions, { request });
    return response;
  }),
});

Note the use of api.yourFile.getSheetOptions instead of just getSheetOptions. This is the correct way to reference your action when using ctx.runAction() Discord support thread: http actions calling external queries (https://discord.com/channels/1019350475847499849/1304624022876590090).

  1. Make sure your action is properly exported and included in your Convex project structure.

  2. If you're passing the entire request object to your action, make sure your action is set up to receive it. You might need to adjust your action's argument type to match what you're passing.

If you're still encountering issues, it might be helpful to check:

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  • The exact definition of your getSheetOptions action
  • How you're importing and using it in your HTTP action file
  • Whether your action is properly registered in your Convex project

Remember, actions in Convex need to be referenced using the generated API object (api.yourFile.yourAction) when calling them from other Convex functions Api > Interfaces > Interface: GenericActionCtx > Methods (https://docs.convex.dev/api/interfaces/server.GenericActionCtx#methods).

Note: you can ask me a follow up question by @ mentioning me again :speech_balloon:

#

@quick inlet Kapa.ai is still learning and improving, please let me know how I did by reacting below.

quick inlet
#

ctx.runAction(api.yourFile.getSheetOptions.
ctx.runAction(getSheetOptions,

Can you let me know when I need to call a function or an action through an API and when do I not need to? What does this API thing do? @pallid tundra

pallid tundraBOT
#

Let me check the knowledge base for you again. One moment! :books:

#

Certainly! I'd be happy to explain when you need to use the api object to call functions or actions in Convex and what this api thing does.

The api object in Convex is a generated utility that provides type-safe references to your Convex functions (queries, mutations, and actions). It's an important part of Convex's architecture for calling functions within your application. Let's break down when you need to use it and why:

  1. When to use api:

    • When calling functions from other Convex functions (queries, mutations, or actions):
      ctx.runAction(api.yourFile.getSheetOptions, args);
ctx.runQuery(api.yourFile.someQuery, args);
ctx.runMutation(api.yourFile.someMutation, args);
    • When using Convex functions in your client-side code:
      const result = useQuery(api.yourFile.someQuery);
const mutation = useMutation(api.yourFile.someMutation);

  2. When not to use api:

    • When importing functions directly within your Convex backend code:
      import { getSheetOptions } from "./yourFile";
    • When defining your Convex functions:
      export const getSheetOptions = action({
  // Function definition here
});

The api object serves several important purposes:

  1. Type Safety: It provides TypeScript type information for your functions, including their arguments and return types Api > Modules > Module: server > Type Aliases (https://docs.convex.dev/api/modules/server#type-aliases).

  2. Function References: It creates FunctionReference (https://docs.convex.dev/api/modules/server#functionreference) objects that Convex uses to correctly route and execute your functions.

  3. Code Organization: It reflects the structure of your Convex functions, organized by file and function name.

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  1. Client-Server Bridge: It allows your client-side code to reference server-side functions in a type-safe manner.

Here's an example to illustrate the difference:

// Incorrect: Direct import when running an action from another function
ctx.runAction(getSheetOptions, args);

// Correct: Using api to reference the action
ctx.runAction(api.yourFile.getSheetOptions, args);

In the correct version, api.yourFile.getSheetOptions creates a FunctionReference that Convex uses to properly execute your action, including handling permissions and routing.

Remember, the api object is automatically generated based on your Convex functions. You don't create it manually; instead, you import it from the generated files:

import { api } from "../convex/_generated/api";

By using the api object, you ensure that your function calls are type-safe, properly routed, and follow Convex's best practices for function invocation Tutorial > 2: Convex and your app (https://docs.convex.dev/tutorial/client).

Note: you can ask me a follow up question by @ mentioning me again :speech_balloon: