HTTP connector and the Connector SDK
Workato provides the following options to enable you to build your own connector:
- HTTP connector: Allows you to make API requests using a visual interface
- Connector SDK: Provides programmatic control over connector behavior and advanced customization options
The Connector SDK supports advanced customization and works best for users with development experience. You can use the Connector Copilot to generate code, explore examples, and streamline development.
This document describes the differences between these options and helps you determine the best approach for your connector development.
Authentication methods
APIs use a range of authentication mechanisms, from basic authentication (username and password) to more complex methods like OAuth 2.0.
The HTTP connector and the Connector SDK support the following authentication methods:
| Authentication method | HTTP | SDK |
|---|---|---|
| OAuth 1.0 | ❌ | ✔ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✔ | ✔ |
| Basic auth | ✔ | ✔ |
| Plain API key/token | ✔ | ✔ |
| Digest auth | ❌ | ✔ |
| Multi-step auth | ❌ | ✔ |
Data types
The HTTP connector and the Connector SDK support the following data types:
| Data type | HTTP | SDK |
|---|---|---|
| JSON on REST | ✔ | ✔ |
| XML on REST | ✔ | ✔ |
| URL encoded Form | ✔ | ✔ |
| Multipart | ✔ | ✔ |
| Binary | ✔ | ✔ |
Capabilities
The HTTP connector and the Connector SDK offer the following capabilities:
| Capability | HTTP | SDK |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger closure | ❌ | ✔ |
| Updated record trigger | Sometimes | ✔ |
| Webhook + poll trigger | ❌ | ✔ |
| Data transformation | ❌ | ✔ |
| Data pre/post processing | ❌ | ✔ |
| Pagination | ❌ | ✔ |
| While loop | ✔ | ✔ |
| For loop | ✔ | ✔ |
Additional functionality
The HTTP connector and the Connector SDK have the following additional functionality:
| Functionality | HTTP | SDK |
|---|---|---|
| Sharing | ✔ | ✔ |
| Clone and run recipes | ✔ | ❌ |
| Reusable (cross recipe) | ❌ | ✔ |
| Manual webhook | ✔ | ✔ |
| Auto webhook | Can cause issues | ✔ |
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