goober.md

Leveraging HTTP actions in a SharePoint context, particularly through Power Automate, allows you to perform a wide range of operations that might not be directly available through standard SharePoint actions. This is done by sending HTTP requests to the SharePoint REST API. Here’s a detailed explanation of how to use HTTP actions effectively:

What is the "Send an HTTP Request to SharePoint" Action?

The "Send an HTTP Request to SharePoint" action in Power Automate allows you to construct and execute SharePoint REST API queries. This action is particularly useful when you need to perform operations that are not available through the standard SharePoint connectors.

Key Components of an HTTP Request

1. Site Address: The URL of the SharePoint site where you want to perform the action.
2. Method: The type of HTTP request (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, etc.).
3. URI: The endpoint of the SharePoint REST API you want to interact with.
4. Headers: Additional information sent with the request, such as content type and authentication details.
5. Body: The data sent with the request, typically in JSON format.

Common Use Cases

1. Creating Sites:

   • You can create new SharePoint sites by sending a POST request to the appropriate endpoint with the necessary site details in the body.

2. Managing Lists and Libraries:

   • Add, update, or delete items in lists and libraries.
   • Retrieve list items based on specific criteria.

3. Setting Permissions:

   • Modify permissions for sites, lists, libraries, or individual items.

4. Custom Workflows:

   • Trigger custom workflows or actions based on specific events or conditions.

Example: Creating a SharePoint Site

Here’s an example of how to create a SharePoint site using the "Send an HTTP Request to SharePoint" action in Power Automate:

1. Create a New Flow:

   • Go to Power Automate and create a new flow with the desired trigger (e.g., a button click in Power Apps).

2. Add the HTTP Action:

   • Add the "Send an HTTP Request to SharePoint" action to your flow.

3. Configure the Action:

   • Site Address: https://yourdomain-admin.sharepoint.com
   • Method: POST
   • URI: _api/SPSiteManager/create
   • Headers:

     {
       "Content-Type": "application/json;odata=verbose",
       "Accept": "application/json;odata=verbose"
     }

   • Body:

     {
       "request": {
         "Title": "New Site Title",
         "Url": "https://yourdomain.sharepoint.com/sites/newsite",
         "Lcid": 1033,
         "ShareByEmailEnabled": false,
         "Description": "Description of the new site",
         "WebTemplate": "STS#3",
         "Owner": "[email protected]"
       }
     }

Parsing the Response

When you execute an HTTP request, the response is typically in JSON format. You can parse this response to extract useful information. For example, if you create a site, you might want to retrieve the site URL or ID from the response.

Tips for Using HTTP Actions

• Understand the SharePoint REST API: Familiarize yourself with the SharePoint REST API documentation to know the available endpoints and their capabilities¹(https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint/dev/business-apps/power-automate/guidance/working-with-send-sp-http-request)²(https://manueltgomes.com/microsoft/send-an-http-request-to-sharepoint-action/).
• Use JSON Light: Set headers to use JSON light to simplify the response parsing.
• Error Handling: Implement error handling in your flows to manage failed requests gracefully.

By leveraging HTTP actions, you can extend the functionality of SharePoint and automate complex tasks that are not possible with standard actions¹(https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint/dev/business-apps/power-automate/guidance/working-with-send-sp-http-request)²(https://manueltgomes.com/microsoft/send-an-http-request-to-sharepoint-action/)³(https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/modules/integration-http-connector/).

If you have any specific scenarios or need further assistance, feel free to ask!

Source: Conversation with Copilot, 9/29/2024 (1) Working with the SharePoint Send HTTP Request flow action in Power .... https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint/dev/business-apps/power-automate/guidance/working-with-send-sp-http-request. (2) Power Automate: Send an HTTP request to SharePoint Action. https://manueltgomes.com/microsoft/send-an-http-request-to-sharepoint-action/. (3) Integrate Power Automate with SharePoint HTTP actions. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/modules/integration-http-connector/.