HTTP Trigger

HTTP Trigger allows developers with external applications to feed messages into FrontlineSMS for processing

What is HTTP Trigger?

FrontlineSMS is an extremely flexible messaging application, allowing incoming text messages to trigger keyword events (auto replies, group joining, emailing, message-posting to websites, and so on). Increasing numbers of users - software developers in particular - have been trying to integrate their own applications (which generate patient reminders, medical advice, weather forecasts, and so on). HTTP Trigger allows these external programs to pass text to FrontlineSMS, which is then sent out as a text message. Please bear in mind that this is an advanced feature of FrontlineSMS, and is generally reserved for experienced software developers. How to set up a Trigger The HTTP Trigger function is designed to allow the passing of HTTP commands to FrontlineSMS by using a mutually configured blank HTTP port. Currently FrontlineSMS only supports the sending of SMS although this may change in the future. To set up HTTP Trigger, choose a free port number and enter it into the Port field 2. Click on the Start button to begin monitoring the port. All events will be displayed in the main window 1. From version 1.6.16, you can ask FrontlineSMS to start listening automatically on the specified port when the software is launched by enabling the 3 checkbox.

This diagram gives an example of an application checking for website updates (e.g. an RSS feed). When the application detects that a new feed has occurred, it uses a HTTP request to communicate with FrontlineSMS in the following format: http://localhost:<portNumber>/send/sms/<destinationPhoneNumber>/<messageContent>/ Where <portNumber> is the free port, <destinationPhoneNumber> is the number to send the message to, and <messageContent> is the content of the message. All values should be URL-encoded.

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