Bulk API Session ID

Question

I have a trigger on a custom object which on certain conditions call a future method. The future method calls a Salesforce REST function. This rest function calls a PDF VF page, stores the body as an Attachment under the custom object. Since a REST function requires a session ID, we pass the Session ID using the UserInfo.getSessionId() function.

Everything works fine and the attachment is generated and attached with the proper details. However, when the record for the custom object is generated via Bulk API, the webservice call method gives an error called Unauthorized. The reason for this is I believe that the function doesn't get the proper SessionId.

Does the Bulk API do not generate a session Id which can be used again?

Answer 1

I just tested a very basic Bulk API Job to insert two new contacts. At the same time I created a new trigger for before insert on contacts that contained the following:

string sessionId = UserInfo.getSessionId();
System.debug(LoggingLevel.Error, 'UserInfo.getSessionId(): ' + sessionId);
System.assert(!string.isBlank(sessionId), 'Expected sessionId');

The assertion failed due to the sessionId being null.

From the documentation for UserInfo.getSessionId():

For Apex code that is executed asynchronously, such as @future methods, Batch Apex jobs, or scheduled Apex jobs, getSessionId returns null.

As a best practice, ensure that your code handles both cases – when a session ID is or is not available.

It would appear this extends to bulk API DML as well.

You will probably need another method to get a valid session ID in this case.

For example: Session ID from scheduled jobs.