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Troubleshooting Parse Errors in HTTP API Messages with Clay

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I'm working with an HTTP API Column and I'm generating the body of the message with a formula column. When I copy and past the output of my formula column into postman, the message works, but in Clay I'm getting a parse error. Is there a way to preview the exact HTTP API message being sent for a column so I can troubleshoot this?

  • Avatar of Channeled
    Channeled
    APP
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    Unfortunately, Clay doesn't have a built-in feature to preview the exact HTTP API message being sent. However, to troubleshoot your parse error, we can follow these steps: 1. Double-check your body formatting: • Ensure keys are surrounded by double quotes • Check for proper punctuation and syntax (commas, colons, brackets) • Look for hidden characters 2. Go to the parent column: • Right-click on the enriched column • Click "Go to Parent Column" 3. Review the HTTP API settings: • Check the Method, Endpoint, Query String, Body, and Headers To further assist you, could you please copy and paste the JSON you're using into the chat? This will help me troubleshoot the issue more effectively.

  • Avatar of Summiya B.
    Summiya B.
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    Preview the Formula Output Create a Text Column and copy the Formula Column output there. Compare it with what works in Postman—look for differences. Use "Test Request" in Clay Open the HTTP API Column settings. Click Test Request → This will show you the exact request Clay is sending. Check for JSON Formatting Issues If your formula is generating JSON, wrap it in JSON.stringify() to ensure it’s properly formatted. JSON.stringify({ key: "value", anotherKey: "anotherValue" })

  • Avatar of Andrew T.
    Andrew T.
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    My formula is generating JSON, but I'm not seeing how to add the wrapper in the body.

  • Avatar of Summiya B.
    Summiya B.
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    Share screen shot or short video

  • Avatar of Andrew T.
    Andrew T.
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  • Avatar of Summiya B.
    Summiya B.
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    Use "lightingapecifications(2)"

  • Avatar of Andrew T.
    Andrew T.
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    I still get: Expected ':' after property name in JSON at position 202 (line 6 column 3)

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    Andrew T.
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  • Avatar of Summiya B.
    Summiya B.
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    { "properties": { "attributes_with_ai": "draft ai attribute opulated", "draft_of_ai_attribution": "time of generation utc", "lightingspecifications": "your_value_here" } } Hope so this works

  • Avatar of Andrew T.
    Andrew T.
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    The "lightingspecifications" is actually a dynamic set of value pairs I want to insert into the JSON Body.

  • Avatar of Andrew T.
    Andrew T.
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    Based on the formula field

  • Avatar of Andrew T.
    Andrew T.
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    Okay... I fixed it.

  • Avatar of Summiya B.
    Summiya B.
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    How

  • Avatar of Andrew T.
    Andrew T.
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    I generated the entire JSON body with a formula instead of generating part of the body.

  • Avatar of Summiya B.
    Summiya B.
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    Ok

  • Avatar of LuisArturo
    LuisArturo
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    Hey there Andrew thanks for reaching out, sorry for the delay here and thanks for jumping in Summiya! Just jumping in to check if you still needed help with this.

  • Avatar of Andrew T.
    Andrew T.
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    Hi LuisArturo - Thanks for checking on this. I was able to figure this out by building my entire JSON body in a formula.

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    Channeled
    APP
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