What are Webhooks?
Webhooks are user-defined HTTP callbacks that are triggered by specific events in a web application. They enable real-time communication between different systems by sending automated messages or data from one application to another when an event occurs. This approach is more efficient than traditional polling methods, as it allows servers to push updates only when necessary, minimizing resource consumption.
How Webhooks Work
To use a webhook, a user must configure a URL endpoint in their application where HTTP POST requests will be sent. When an event occurs—for instance, a new user registration or a document update—the source application sends a POST request to the configured URL with the relevant data in the request body.
Use Cases
Webhooks are commonly used in various scenarios, including payment processing, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) workflows, and messaging systems. For instance, payment gateways such as Stripe utilize webhooks to notify e-commerce platforms about successful transactions, thereby triggering fulfillment processes without direct user intervention.
Benefits of Webhooks
- Real-time data transmission
- Reduced server load
- Ease of integration across different services
- Flexibility in handling events
In summary, webhooks facilitate seamless communication and interaction between disparate applications, making them a vital tool in modern web development.