Pass command line arguments to a hosted target

Google Cloud Apigee
1

Hello everyone,

I am using a node.js app as a hosted target in Apigee. The node app requires 2 command line arguments to be passed, which is done by the prompt module in the node app. When I use the app as a hosted target can I pass those arguments at runtime?(I know there is a way to pass it using the app.yaml file but I dont exactly know how). Also can I access these arguments in a JavaScript policy at runtime? I am working on Hosted Target for the first time so any leads on this topic would be very helpful. Thank you!

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Hi Manas,

You can find what you’re looking for in the “args” key for the manifest file (from https://docs.apigee.com/api-platform/hosted-targets/hosted-targets-reference#manfiest-file-syntax)).

As far as accessing these in a JavaScript policy, you cannot access these variables as they are separate from the Hosted Target flow/configuration.

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The node app requires 2 command line arguments to be passed, which is done by the prompt module in the node app. When I use the app as a hosted target can I pass those arguments at runtime?

I think maybe you might have to redesign the node app just a bit.

The prompt module, as I understand it, can be used by an interactive nodejs to prompt the user for some input.

There is no way to prompt the user for input in a Hosted Target. The HT node app is headless and serverless. You don’t get to interact with the terminal that is running the HT node app. So I think prompt is probably the wrong module.

I know there is a way to pass it using the app.yaml file but I dont exactly know how

Pass parameters to the HT app via environment variables, as shown in the documentation.

can I access these arguments in a JavaScript policy at runtime?

No. And this question suggests you have a basic misunderstanding. You’re passing arguments to the nodejs app. That app is remote. The JavaScript policy runs in the gateway; it’s local. The JS policy doesn’t have access to the remote nodejs app, nor to the environment variables or “parameters” you’ve passed to the remote nodejs app.

I am working on Hosted Target for the first time so any leads on this topic would be very helpful.

I would suggest starting with the documentation for Hosted Targets and within there, the sample apps.

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@Dino-at-Google Thank you for the answer. I will try working around this!

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@Kyle Wiese Thank you for your directions Kyle!