Skip to main content

HTTPS outcalls overview

Advanced
Concept

Canister smart contracts can make a request to a URL using HTTPS outcalls. HTTPS outcalls can be used to directly obtain off-chain data or interact with off-chain systems, such as Web 2.0 services or enterprise IT infrastructure.

HTTPS outcalls enable a wide range of applications. For example, oracle services can directly integrate with ICP in a trustless manner, and dapps can provide user notifications or anything else that requires communication with servers on the Internet.

Some examples of on-chain oracle-like services that obtain data from off-chain sources through HTTP outcalls include the EVM RPC canister, the exchange rate canister or the Orally dapp.

How it works

For detailed information on how it works, please refer to the HTTPS outcalls - How it works.

How to make a request

For detailed information on how to utilize this feature, please refer to the HTTPS outcalls - How to use page.

The documentation includes examples demonstrating how to make the following types of requests:

Examples

Refer to the following examples of HTTPS outcalls implementations in canister smart contracts: