NetSuite REST API Documentation And Discussion

NetSuite API Overview

NetSuite recognizes the significance of APIs in modern software development, and thus provides a comprehensive set of APIs for developers. These APIs allow seamless interaction with NetSuite’s ERP platform, granting access to a vast array of data and functionalities. With NetSuite APIs, developers can retrieve customer records, create transactions, update inventory, automate workflows, and perform various other tasks programmatically.

Additionally, NetSuite supports REST API, making it easier than ever to integrate and interact with NetSuite’s ERP system. REST API is a popular architectural style for designing web services, and it follows the principles of simplicity, scalability, and flexibility. By leveraging the NetSuite REST API, developers can retrieve, manipulate, and create records in NetSuite, access custom data objects, execute saved searches, and much more. The REST API simplifies the process of integrating NetSuite with external applications, enabling seamless data exchange and synchronization.

So What’s the Difference Between NetSuite’s REST API and its General API?

In comparison to other API styles, REST APIs are typically more lightweight and easier to understand and use. They rely on standard HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE to perform operations on resources. REST APIs also utilize HTTP status codes for indicating the outcome of a request. This simplicity and adherence to web standards make REST APIs widely supported and compatible across different platforms and programming languages.

Understanding the distinction between a general API and a REST API is important when working with NetSuite, as it helps developers make informed decisions about the most suitable integration approach based on their specific requirements.

Setting Up and Integrating REST APIs in NetSuite

Authentication and Access

To access the NetSuite REST API, proper authentication is required. NetSuite supports various authentication methods, with OAuth being one of the commonly used options. OAuth allows secure and authorized access to NetSuite resources without sharing sensitive credentials.

To obtain the necessary credentials for API access, you need to create an integration within your NetSuite account. This integration will generate client ID, client secret, and token-based authentication details. These credentials will be used in your API requests to authenticate and authorize access to NetSuite data.

API Documentation

API documentation is a valuable resource for developers working with NetSuite REST API. It provides detailed information on available endpoints, request/response formats, required headers, and supported operations. API documentation helps developers understand how to interact with the API and leverage its capabilities effectively.

You can access the NetSuite REST API documentation through the NetSuite Help Center or SuiteAnswers, which provide comprehensive guides, reference materials, code samples, and best practices. The documentation offers insights into specific API endpoints, their parameters, and the expected responses, enabling developers to build robust integrations.

Establishing the Integration

To set up and configure REST API integration in NetSuite, follow these general steps:

1. Create an Integration: Within NetSuite, create a new integration record that represents your external application or service. Provide necessary details, such as name, role, and permissions, to define the scope and access rights for the integration.
2. Obtain Credentials: After creating the integration, obtain the required credentials, including the client ID, client secret, and token-based authentication details. These credentials will be used for authentication in your API requests.
3. Configure Endpoints: Identify the specific REST API endpoints you need to interact with based on your integration requirements. These endpoints correspond to various NetSuite functionalities, such as accessing records, performing searches, or executing transactions.
4. Set Headers and Authorization: Include the necessary headers in your API requests, such as the “Content-Type” and “Authorization” headers. The “Authorization” header will contain the authentication details, typically in the form of an OAuth token.
5. Format Requests and Handle Responses: Format your API requests according to the required syntax and structure specified in the documentation. Handle the responses received from the API, which may include data, status codes, and error messages.

A quick guide to the process can also be found here.

Handling Data Operations

The NetSuite REST API allows developers to perform various data operations, including:

• Retrieving Records: Use appropriate API endpoints and parameters to retrieve specific records, such as customers, orders, or items. You can filter, sort, and paginate results to retrieve the desired data efficiently.
• Creating Records: Construct JSON payloads with the necessary data and use the API endpoints to create new records in NetSuite. Ensure that the payload structure aligns with the NetSuite record schema and includes all required fields.
• Updating Records: Specify the record ID and provide the updated data in the API request to modify existing records. You can update specific fields or perform complex operations, such as adding line items to an order or updating custom fields.
• Deleting Records: Use the appropriate endpoint and provide the record ID to delete records from NetSuite. Exercise caution when performing deletion operations, as they are irreversible.

When Not to Use REST API in NetSuite

While the NetSuite REST API is a powerful tool for integrating and extending NetSuite functionality, there are certain scenarios where it may not be the optimal choice. Consider the following situations:

1. Complex Integrations: If your integration requires complex and highly structured data exchanges, such as batch processing or multi-step transactions, SOAP may be a better fit. SOAP provides more extensive support for formal contracts and structured messaging, making it suitable for intricate integrations.
2. Real-time Data Synchronization: If your application requires real-time data synchronization between NetSuite and external systems, the REST API may not provide the level of real-time performance required. In such cases, alternative approaches like event-driven integrations or using NetSuite’s SuiteTalk API (SOAP-based) could be more suitable.
3. Custom Functionality: If your integration heavily relies on customizations and scripting within NetSuite, the SuiteTalk SOAP API might be a better choice. SuiteTalk offers more comprehensive support for customizations and accessing specific NetSuite features that may not be exposed through the REST API.
4. Legacy Systems: If you are integrating with legacy systems that are more compatible with SOAP-based web services, it might be more practical to use the SuiteTalk SOAP API to ensure seamless interoperability.

Is NetSuite REST API Right for your Business?

Although NetSuite’s REST API offers flexibility, simplicity, and scalability for developers working with NetSuite, it is still essential to carefully evaluate your integration requirements.  Do your research and consider your business’s specific features, performance, and compatibility needs before deciding on the appropriate API approach.

Have any other questions about NetSuite or other software integrations within your company?  Reach out, and we will be happy to help guide you through the process: