What Webhook Meaning, Applications & Example
HTTP callback for AI system integration.
What is a Webhook?
A Webhook is a way for an application to send real-time data to other services as soon as an event happens. Instead of requiring the receiving service to poll the sender for updates, the sender pushes data to a specified URL, known as a webhook endpoint, whenever an event occurs.
Key Features of Webhooks
- Real-time Data: Enables immediate transmission of data after an event.
- HTTP-based: Typically uses HTTP POST requests to send data to a URL.
- Customizable: Webhook endpoints can be configured to handle different types of events.
- Efficient: Reduces the need for constant polling, saving server resources and reducing delays.
Example of Webhook Usage
In an e-commerce platform, when a customer places an order, the system might send a webhook to an external service like a shipping provider to automatically initiate the shipping process as soon as the order is confirmed.