Custom API Endpoints: Build Your Own
Expose your OpenClaw agent's capabilities through custom REST API endpoints that external applications can call directly.
What You Will Get
By the end of this guide, your OpenClaw agent will serve custom API endpoints that external applications can call to trigger specific agent actions. Instead of relying solely on chat interfaces, you will have programmatic access to your agent's capabilities.
Custom API endpoints are essential when you want to integrate your agent into existing software workflows. A CRM can call your agent's endpoint to enrich contact records, a dashboard can pull agent-generated reports, or a mobile app can send user queries directly to a dedicated endpoint.
You will define endpoint routes, configure request validation, set up authentication, and test each endpoint with sample requests. The result is a fully documented API that other developers on your team can use without needing to understand the agent's internal workings.
Step-by-Step Setup
Follow these steps to create your first custom API endpoint.
Open the API Builder
Navigate to your agent's settings in RunTheAgent and select the API Endpoints tab. This panel lists all your existing endpoints and provides a builder interface for creating new ones. Click Create Endpoint to get started.
Define the Route and Method
Enter a route path like '/summarize' or '/classify' and select the HTTP method (GET, POST, PUT, or DELETE). The route path becomes part of your agent's base URL. Use descriptive route names that clearly indicate what the endpoint does.
Set Up Request Validation
Define the expected request schema including required fields, data types, and constraints. For example, a '/summarize' endpoint might require a 'text' field of type string with a minimum length of 10 characters. Requests that fail validation receive a 400 error automatically.
Write the Handler Prompt
Create the prompt that your agent executes when the endpoint is called. Use template variables to inject request data into the prompt. For example, 'Summarize the following text in three bullet points: {{text}}'. The agent processes the prompt and returns the result as the API response.
Configure Authentication
Choose an authentication method for the endpoint. Options include API key in the header, bearer token, or no authentication for public endpoints. For production use, always require authentication to prevent unauthorized access and unexpected costs.
Set Response Format
Define whether the endpoint returns plain text, JSON, or streaming responses. For JSON responses, specify the output schema so callers know exactly what fields to expect. This makes your API predictable and easy to integrate with typed clients.
Test and Document
Use the built-in test panel to send sample requests and verify the responses. Once satisfied, enable the auto-generated documentation page that describes each endpoint, its parameters, and example responses. Share this documentation with your team.
Tips and Best Practices
Version Your Endpoints
Include a version prefix in your routes like '/v1/summarize'. This lets you release breaking changes under a new version without disrupting existing integrations.
Set Rate Limits Per Endpoint
Configure individual rate limits for each endpoint based on expected traffic. A lightweight classification endpoint can handle more requests per minute than a heavy generation endpoint.
Return Consistent Error Formats
Use a standard error response structure across all endpoints with a status code, error type, and human-readable message. Consistent errors make debugging easier for API consumers.
Cache Frequent Responses
If an endpoint receives many identical requests, enable response caching with a configurable TTL. This reduces token usage and speeds up response times for repeated queries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Pages
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