What is Webhooks?
Webhooks are HTTP callbacks — automated messages sent from one application to another when a specific event occurs.
Webhooks are HTTP callbacks — automated messages sent from one application to another when a specific event occurs. Instead of polling (repeatedly asking "did anything change?"), webhooks push notifications in real-time.
Webhook pattern: 1) Consumer registers a callback URL with the provider, 2) Event occurs in the provider system, 3) Provider sends an HTTP POST to the callback URL with event data, 4) Consumer processes the event and responds with 200 OK.
Best practices: Verify webhook signatures (prevent spoofing), implement idempotency (handle duplicate deliveries), respond quickly (< 5 seconds) and process async, implement retry logic (exponential backoff), and log all webhook events for debugging.
Why It Matters
Webhooks enable real-time integration between systems without polling overhead. They're the backbone of modern SaaS integrations — Stripe payments, GitHub PR events, Slack notifications all use webhooks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a webhook?
An HTTP callback — an automated POST request sent from one system to another when an event occurs. Replaces polling ("did anything change?") with push notifications ("something changed!").
How do you secure webhooks?
Verify signatures (HMAC), validate the sender IP, use HTTPS only, implement idempotency keys (handle duplicates), and set up retry with exponential backoff for failed deliveries.
Related Terms
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