Webhooks are a mechanism for communication between different applications or services over
the internet. They allow real-time data transmission and event notifications from one application
to another, eliminating the need for constant polling or manual checks for updates.
In simple terms, a webhook is a way for an application to provide other applications with
automatic updates or notifications when a specific event or trigger occurs. It establishes a
“callback” mechanism, where one application sends a “POST request”* containing data to a
specified URL (often referred to as the webhook URL) when an event of interest happens.
The receiving application, or webhook endpoint, listens for these incoming POST requests and
processes the data accordingly. It can perform various actions based on the received
information, such as updating a database, triggering further processes, or sending notifications
to users or other systems.
Webhooks are widely used for integrating and synchronising data between different services or
systems. For example, a payment gateway might use a webhook to notify an e-commerce
platform about a successful payment or the cancellation of an enrollment. Similarly, a
messaging platform could use webhooks to notify a third-party application when a new message
is received.
Webhooks offer a flexible and efficient way to enable real-time communication and automation
between applications, enhancing interoperability and enabling seamless data exchange. They
are often used in combination with APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) to provide a
comprehensive integration solution for developers and businesses.
*A POST request is an HTTP method used to send data from a client to a server. It is commonly
used for creating or updating resources on the server