HTTP actions or methods represent how different types of communication with a server can occur, including GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, and DELETE methods. These methods are not only used in the context of web browsing, but also play a key role in cloud and desktop flows, particularly within the domain of Microsoft Power Automate, the RPA (Robotic Process Automation) tool.
In cloud flows and desktop flows, HTTP actions play a significant role in dealing with APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) used for interconnecting different services. However, there’s a significant difference in how HTTP actions are implemented within these two flows.
1. HTTP Actions in Cloud Flows:
In cloud flows, the HTTP actions are implemented using the built-in HTTP request function that comes with Power Automate. The requested parameters (URL, headers, body, method) can be set according to the API endpoint’s specifications.
For example, to get data from a particular endpoint, we can use the GET method in the HTTP request.
Method: GET
URI: https://api_name/get_data
When we want to send data to an API endpoint, the POST method can be utilized. The data/parameters are passed in the body section.
Method: POST
URI: https://api_name/post_data
Body: { “key_1”: “data_1”, “key_2”: “data_2” }
2. HTTP Actions in Desktop Flows:
In desktop flows, the HTTP actions are executed using UI Flows. Unlike cloud flows, they simulate clicks and keystrokes, thus mimicking manual user interaction with desktop or web applications. A desktop flow essentially opens the desired web application and simulates the user input required to perform the HTTP action. This makes desktop flows more oriented to automation of user interactions rather than sending direct HTTP requests to API endpoints.
Below is an example of how a GET request would be performed via a desktop flow:
- The desktop flow opens the desired web application using a web browser.
- Subsequent actions in the flow simulate the user input necessary to navigate to the right URL.
It’s important to note that while desktop flows can handle more complex UI-based automation, they are less efficient when dealing with direct API interactions. Conversely, cloud flows are more efficient for direct API interactions but aren’t designed to handle complex UI-based interactions.
In conclusion, a solid understanding of HTTP actions within both cloud and desktop flows is vital for successful implementation of Power Automate RPA Developer (exam PL-500). This knowledge will offer a deeper insight into how API endpoints can be interfaced in different scenarios, empowering a more efficient performance in the exam and subsequently, in professional applications.
Practice Test
True or False: HTTP actions in cloud flows can be used to work with REST APIs, while in desktop flows they cannot.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: HTTP actions in cloud flows allow working with REST APIs and data sources that support it. However, the desktop flows are designed to automate desktop applications, and they don’t possess this functionality.
Which of the following is not an HTTP method used in cloud flows?
- a) GET
- b) POST
- c) UPDATE
- d) DELETE
Answer: c) UPDATE
Explanation: The common HTTP methods used in cloud flows are GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE. UPDATE is not an HTTP method.
True or False: Desktop flows can interact with any UI and database without any HTTP action.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Desktop flows are UI flows that allow for automation of tasks in Windows and web applications and do not necessarily require HTTP actions to interact with the UI or databases.
In cloud flows, which HTTP method is used to create new resource?
- a) GET
- b) POST
- c) UPDATE
- d) DELETE
Answer: b) POST
Explanation: POST is the HTTP method used in cloud flows to create a new resource.
True or False: Cloud flows need HTTP actions for UI interaction.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: HTTP actions in cloud flows are used to interact with REST APIs and data sources, not for UI interaction.
In HTTP actions, which property defines the format of the data that the server will return?
- a) Format
- b) Accept
- c) Return
- d) Resolve
Answer: b) Accept
Explanation: The Accept property in HTTP actions is used to tell the server the format of the data that the client is expecting.
True or False: The PUT method in HTTP actions updates an existing resource.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: The PUT method in HTTP actions is used to update an existing resource or create a new one if it does not exist.
Can desktop flows trigger an HTTP action?
- a) Yes
- b) No
Answer: b) No
Explanation: Desktop flows primarily perform automation on desktop applications and don’t have an in-built feature to trigger HTTP actions.
Which HTTP method is used to retrieve a resource in cloud flows?
- a) GET
- b) POST
- c) DELETE
- d) PUT
Answer: a) GET
Explanation: The GET method is used in HTTP actions in cloud flows to retrieve data.
True or False: Both Cloud and Desktop flows can natively interact with APIs and Databases using HTTP actions.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: While Cloud flows interact with APIs and Databases using HTTP actions, Desktop flows are designed to automate tasks in Windows and web applications, lacking native API and Database interaction ability using HTTP actions.
Interview Questions
What does HTTP in the context of cloud and desktop flows refer to?
HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. It defines a set of request methods to indicate the desired action to be performed for a given resource.
What are HTTP actions in the context of Microsoft Power Automate?
HTTP actions in Microsoft Power Automate are steps that allow users to make HTTP requests to a specified resource.
How do HTTP actions differ in cloud flows and desktop flows in Microsoft Power Automate?
HTTP actions in cloud flows can be used to make requests to any resource on the internet, while in desktop flows they can only interact with local resources.
What are some of the commonly used HTTP methods?
GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS, PATCH are the most commonly used HTTP methods.
How is the POST method used in HTTP actions?
The POST method is used to send data to a server to create a new resource. It is often used when uploading a file or submitting a completed web form.
How is the GET method used in HTTP actions?
The GET method is used to retrieve data from a specific resource. This data can then be used in other actions within the flow.
In the context of Microsoft Power Automate, can HTTP actions be used in desktop flows to interact with internet resources?
No, HTTP actions in Microsoft Power Automate’s desktop flows can only interact with local resources and not with internet resources that are accessible in cloud flows.
What’s the role of the PUT method in HTTP actions?
The PUT method is used to update a current resource with new data.
What does the DELETE method do in HTTP actions?
The DELETE method is used to delete the specified resource.
Can cloud flows in Microsoft Power Automate interact with local resources using HTTP actions?
No, cloud flows are used to make requests to internet resources but cannot interact with local resources that can be accessed with desktop flows.
What are PATCH HTTP actions used for?
The PATCH HTTP action is used for partial updates to a resource.
Does Microsoft Power Automate support all HTTP methods within its HTTP actions?
Yes, Microsoft Power Automate supports all standard HTTP methods within its HTTP actions.
What is the use of the HEAD method in HTTP actions?
The HEAD method asks for a response identical to that of a GET request but without the response body.
What is the OPTIONS method used for in HTTP actions?
The OPTIONS method is used to describe the communication options for the target resource.
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