---
title: "system.util.invokeGateway"
---

# system.util.invokeGateway

> :::caution
> This function was removed from the Gateway entirely as it is potentially harmful. It is only present in Gateway versions 7.9.0 - 7.9.3. It is not present in any prior or later versions of Ignition. This function is replaced by [system.util.sendRequest()](versioned_docs/version-8.1\appendix\scripting-functions\system-util\system-util-sendRequest.md), which provides the same functionality in a more secure implementation. If you are using this function, it is highly recommended that you upgrade to at least 7.9.3 and use system.util.sendRequest() instead.
> :::

## Description
Invokes a function on the gateway. It will return the return value of the function, or throw an exception if something went wrong calling that function.

## Syntax

`system.util. invokeGateway(function)`

- Parameters
    - String `function`  - The function name.
    - PyObjects  `args` -  Any number of args to send to the function in a list.
- Returns
    - Object `return`  - The return from the function that was passed in.
- Scope
    - All

## Code Examples
```python title="Code Snippet"
#This will take the text written into the text area, and save it to a file on the gateway.
  
data = event.source.parent.getComponent("Text Area").text
system.util.invokeGateway("system.file.writeFile", ["C:\\MyFile.txt", data])
```