Trigger API Service by Email

UI Builder
1

I’m looking for a way to trigger an API service by email, where the API service takes the email subject line and body as inputs/arguments. What’s the best way to do this with backendless?

My logic would parse the body of the email to identify an email address in the email, then send an automated email to that address.

2

Let me see if I understood you correctly (please point out where I might be wrong);

  1. Your API service accepts two strings: email subject and email body
  2. Your API service parses the body argument, applies whatever logic, and determines to what email address an email should be sent
  3. Once determined, an email goes out to the address identified in step 2
3

This is correct. The key is the logic needs to be triggered when the email is received in GMAIL. I can also setup rules in GMAIL to add a label, forward the email, or do some other trigger.

4

The best and simplest way to handle it is by using FlowRunner - our new automation platform. There is integration with Gmail that will make it easier. We will conduct a webinar next week to introduce the product, however, it is already available in your Backendless app - navigate to QUICK ACCESS and search for “FlowRunner”.

5

Hi Mark. I installed the GMAIL extension of the new Flow Runner tools before posting. It’s what made me think Backendless might have something to help. However, I didn’t see any gmail/Flow Runner blocks that would allow me to set it up so that a logic flow is triggered by an email.

6

Hi David,

Try creating a schedule for your flow, it will run every X seconds and in every run, it will check for new email messages. See the following section in the docs about configuring scheduled flows:

As for calling your service - every API service operation in Backendless becomes a custom action. You can drag it into your flow and connect to other blocks.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Mark

7

Got it. For my use case, I’m really looking for something that will respond to the email almost instantaneously. Having a function check my email once a minute (about 44,000 times per-month) doesn’t seem like the ideal approach. I’m looking at other options though.

8

Mail servers don’t provide any callbacks which could activate a trigger. The only option I can think of is making the schedule as frequent as possible