Introduction
In the realm of network security and application delivery, efficiently processing HTTP headers is crucial. FortiADC, a robust application delivery controller, provides a powerful scripting interface to ease this task. One such script command is HTTP:header_get_values(header_name). In this article, we delve into understanding this command, its purpose, and its practical use.
What is HTTP:header_get_values(header_name)?
The command HTTP:header_get_values(header_name) is designed to retrieve values from a specified HTTP header. When a header name is provided, this command returns a list of its corresponding values, along with a count of each occurrence. This can be particularly useful for headers that appear multiple times in HTTP requests or responses.
Supported Environments and Syntax
The command is applicable in several event contexts:
- HTTP_REQUEST
- HTTP_RESPONSE
- AUTH_RESULT
It is supported in FortiADC version 4.3.x and later. The basic syntax of the command is:
HTTP:header_get_values(header_name);
Where header_name is a string representing the name of the HTTP header you are interested in.
Using the Command: A Practical Example
To better understand how this command works in action, let’s consider the following example that operates within an HTTP_REQUEST event context:
when HTTP_REQUEST { cookies=HTTP:header_get_values(“Cookie”) for k, cnt in pairs(cookies) do debug(“initially include cookie %s cnt %dn”, k, v) end }
In this case, the command retrieves values from the “Cookie” header during an HTTP request. Each cookie value is stored in a list, and the script uses a loop to iterate through them, printing the cookie name and its count using a debug statement.
Benefits of Using HTTP:header_get_values
Implementing HTTP:header_get_values(header_name) in your FortiADC environment provides numerous advantages:
- Enhanced HTTP Handling: Quickly access and manipulate HTTP header values, essential for applications relying on specific headers like cookies and custom metadata.
- Flexible Integration: This functionality can be seamlessly integrated into different event contexts, enhancing your ADC’s dynamic processing capabilities.
- Optimized Debugging: The ability to loop through header values and output them aids in troubleshooting and verifying correct data handling.
Conclusion
The HTTP:header_get_values(header_name) command is a valuable tool for efficiently managing HTTP headers, facilitating enhanced operational efficiency and debugging in FortiADC. Whether you’re dealing with cookies, custom headers, or need to access multiple header values, this command provides a straightforward solution. By harnessing this functionality, network administrators can optimize HTTP handling within their FortiADC environments and improve overall application performance.
For further details, refer to the official documentation here.