Webhooks are a way to send and receive data between two services only when a change has happened. This is extremely useful because it cuts down on having to create or manage an always-on connection between two services. This decreases time spent on development, data used, and potential for transfer errors.
Webhooks are HTTP-based callback functions that facilitate event-driven communication between two application programming interfaces (APIs). While traditional APIs require the client to periodically poll the server for updates, webhooks take a different approach. In a webhook setup, the client provides a unique URL to the server API and specifies the event it wants to be notified about.
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APIs, or application programming interfaces, are protocols and definitions used for building and integrating application software. They define the structure of requests and responses when communicating between different applications.
API communication typically follows a client-server model, where the client app sends HTTP requests to the server app to request data or perform actions. The server app then responds with the requested data or an acknowledgment of the action taken. This process is known as polling, where the client repeatedly sends requests until the server provides the required information.
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Webhooks, often referred to as reverse or push APIs, shift the responsibility of communication from the client to the server. Instead of the client polling for updates, the server proactively sends a single HTTP post request to the client's webhook URL when the specified event occurs. This approach eliminates the need for continuous polling and allows for real-time, event-driven communication.
One aspect to note is that webhooks are not standalone APIs; they work in conjunction with existing APIs. An application must have an API in place to use webhooks effectively. Webhooks act as a mechanism to hook into specific events on the server side and prompt the server to send the relevant payload to the client via the web.
Webhooks offer several advantages over traditional polling-based communication:
Using webhooks, the client application no longer needs to continuously poll the server for updates. This saves resources and reduces unnecessary network traffic.
Setting up webhooks is relatively straightforward. If an application supports webhooks, they can be configured through the server's user interface. The client simply enters their webhook URL and specifies the desired event, making it easy to get started.
Webhooks enable automation by automatically sending the payload as soon as the specified event occurs on the server. This allows for real-time data transfer and eliminates the need for manual intervention.
Webhooks are designed for handling small amounts of data between two endpoints. The server determines the size and timing of the data transfer, while the client interprets and uses the payload accordingly. This makes webhooks ideal for sending notifications or specific updates.
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Webhooks are typically used to connect two different applications. When an event happens on the trigger application, it serializes data about that event and sends it to a webhook URL from the action application.
A webhook will primarily upload or download data for a given trigger, but not necessarily both. Meanwhile, an API is designed specifically to maintain communication.
Webhook is a lightweight, configurable tool that allows you to easily create HTTP endpoints (hooks) on your server, which you can use to execute configured commands.