Webhook
Definition
A webhook is an automated notification method where one application sends real-time data to another application when a specified event occurs.
Webhooks function as event-driven callbacks, allowing different software systems to communicate proactively over the internet. Instead of a receiving application constantly polling for updates, the sending application pushes relevant information directly to a pre-configured URL endpoint (the webhook URL) whenever a specific trigger event takes place. This "push" mechanism ensures immediate data synchronization and reduces unnecessary requests.
The data transmitted via a webhook is typically structured, often in JSON or XML format, and sent using an HTTP POST request. This approach is fundamental for building integrated systems and automating workflows efficiently. For example, an online payment gateway can use a webhook to notify an e-commerce platform immediately when a transaction is successfully completed. Webhooks are widely adopted in SaaS platforms, e-commerce systems, communication tools, and various other services requiring instant updates and inter-application communication.