Webhooks
Webhooks are a method for real-time communication between web applications, where one application sends HTTP POST requests to a specified URL (the webhook endpoint) when certain events occur. They enable automated data transmission from a source application to a receiver without the need for polling, making them efficient for event-driven architectures. This concept is widely used for integrating services, triggering workflows, and synchronizing data across systems.
Developers should learn and use webhooks when building applications that require real-time updates or integrations, such as notifying users of events (e.g., payment confirmations, new user sign-ups), automating processes in CI/CD pipelines, or syncing data between platforms like GitHub and Slack. They are essential for creating responsive, event-driven systems that reduce latency and resource usage compared to polling mechanisms.