> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://v5docs.keyfax.biz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://v5docs.keyfax.biz/script-data/http-request-databoxes.md).

# HTTP request databoxes

Calls a web service and uses what comes back — the way to reach a system that offers an API rather than a database you can query directly.

<figure><img src="/files/dcQ9PNpk5iFfc20LjKg7" alt="An HTTP request databox open in the editor"><figcaption><p>An HTTP request databox and its settings</p></figcaption></figure>

## Setting one up

The address to call, the method, any headers, and the body if one is needed. Values from the conversation can be embedded in any of them, the same way they can in a [SQL query](/script-data/sql-query-databoxes.md), so the request can be about this caller and this property.

Reading a value out of the response, and turning several rows into something readable, is done with the [expressions](/script-data/databox-expressions.md) on the databox rather than in the request itself.

## When the other system is not there

Plan for it. A web service will be slow or unavailable at some point, and the conversation still has to reach a sensible end. Decide what the script does when the value does not arrive, and make sure it is not simply carrying on as if it had.