# HTTP vs SDK

Once you have decided to build a connector, you will find yourself deciding between using the HTTP connector or Workato SDK. Please note that the Workato SDK is for developers. If you are not a developer, HTTP connector is your best bet.

The question that follows immediately is, how are they different? This document aims to describe the differences and help with deciding between the best approach to enhancing your Workato recipes.

# Authentication

APIs use a wide variety of authentication mechanisms. Some as simple as basic (username/password pair) and some more complex like OAuth 2.0.

HTTP SDK
OAuth 2.0 Yes Yes
Basic auth Yes Yes
Plain API key/token Yes Yes
Digest auth No Yes
Multi-step auth No Yes

# Data types

HTTP SDK
JSON on REST Yes Yes
XML on REST Yes Yes
URL encoded Form Yes Yes
Multipart form Yes Yes
Binary Yes Yes

# Capabilities

HTTP SDK
Trigger closure No Yes
Updated record trigger Not always Yes
Webhook + poll trigger No Yes
Data transformation No Yes
Data pre/post processing No Yes
Pagination No Yes
While loop Yes Yes
For loop Yes Yes

# Others

HTTP SDK
Sharing Yes Yes
Clone and Run Recipes Yes No
Reusable (cross recipe) No Yes
Manual webhook Yes Yes
Auto webhook Troublesome Yes


Last updated: 3/6/2024, 6:40:56 PM