What is a webhook, how does it work and how is it implemented?

For those working on creating websites, webhook It is a very interesting technology in various situations. Works as a communication method between systems online It allows automatic data exchange between different applications.

Because, You webhooks can be very useful in certain situations, such as creating a new user or application, sending notifications about order status change to the customer’s mobile phone, and much more. Below we explain how this technology works and how it can be used in your programming efforts.

why webhook and how does it work?

One webhook It is a lightweight, event-driven type of communication that can automatically send data between applications via HTTP. They are programmed to run on specific events by automating communication between application programming interfaces (APIs).

The term was created in 2007 by developer Jeff Lindsay to describe the treatment. call back or upon return from an HTTP request initiated by an event. word hookMeaning “hook” in Portuguese, it is quite common in programming languages.

Basically, One webhook sends a notification to another system, which then receives notification of an event. In other words: this enables data exchange between two or more applications.

Let’s look at an example: Let’s say a customer buys a certain product within a certain period of time. e-commerce. When you make the payment, information is exchanged between the store’s website and the payment institution. This communication to make the payment is carried out through an API that is responsible for sending the necessary data to the financial institution.

Even after this happens, it may take some time for the payment to be approved and processed by the digital wallet system. THE webhook It comes in here: When payment is confirmed it sends this information back to the source system and uses this record to update the order and notify the buyer that the purchase has been confirmed. Moreover, if there is an error (such as fraud), the customer can quickly detect it and take action.

webhook x API: what are the differences?

You webhooks and APIs (abbreviation) Application Programming Interface) are tools that may look similar but have their own features. Both are used to support communication between two systems, but they have some differences in terms of their purpose and the way this happens..

API and webhook i need extreme point to function. But the API does not work automatically: someone or some process has to make a request for it to start working.

Thus, it connects to the server to send or receive data corresponding to the request. After the action is executed, the connection to the server is closed and no data is sent or received until the API is re-enabled.

THE webhookIt operates as a service that is always ready to receive information when a specific event occurs in the provider’s system (i.e. not tied to a request). Besides, the webhook One extreme point HTTP; this means it sends real-time notifications to the user when events occur on a server.

To complete, it is worth highlighting that the API obtains the data through a process called poolingRepresents requests made to the server to check whether new data is available. Its architecture is based on requests (called transactions) desire-oriented).

When should you use it? webhook?

Not always one webhook It is the best choice for your programming. However, it will be very useful in some special cases. We explain some of them below:

To perform quick updates

webhooks It serves as an ideal alternative to perform small updates in real time. Payment notifications to customers are an example of this. Widespread webhookIt is possible to instantly notify the consumer as soon as the transaction takes place. This means that the customer can detect any improper banking transactions and has time to take immediate action, thus reducing the risk of loss.

When there is no pattern of change in the data

It will also be very useful When some information needs to be retrieved from an external system but there is no estimate of when that information will be available. THE webhook In these cases it would be better than API as the request would need to be resent several times.

When the app doesn’t offer an API

It will not always be possible to use an API in a system. Other times the existing API may not meet the needs of the application. In this case, a webhook It will provide communication between systems and enable data exchange between them.

What are the advantages of using this automation?

Developers may have some advantages in their work when using a tool. webhook. This is because This automation ensures that information is provided in real timeIt reduces the need to search every minute to find an answer.

In other words, a webhook It can make the developer’s job much easier as it can make the entire process simpler and even cheaper. Moreover, it saves you a lot of time. Let’s look at these benefits in more detail below.

Automation

This is a big advantage webhooksbecause they allow you to automate workflows, eliminating the need for manual intervention.

real time communication

This type of automation allows applications to communicate in real-time, reducing response time and streamlining the entire flow.

Competence

webhooks They make the system more agile as they reduce the need for manual data entry and allow teams to execute work in less time.

System integration

You webhooks Whatever programming language is used, it can be configured to send data between different applications.

Ease of configuration

They require very little configuration compared to other processes.

What should you pay attention to when using it? webhook?

When you decide to create a webhook It is important to take some precautions in your programming to avoid problems in the future. Then we share what they are.

Analyze the application for errors

Understand how your provider handles responses to each server action webhookTo detect and prevent possible errors in the application.

Possibility of widespread demand

One of the biggest advantages it offers webhooksThis is because they can execute multiple orders at the same time. Therefore, it is recommended to check whether your application can handle the volume scale expected in your area. webhook.

Check if automation meets your needs

This is very important: test it webhook to check if it really suits your needs. One tip is to learn from the services that use it. webhooksTo learn all the contents about the system.

Beware of data loss

once webhooks Pass your data to your application; if there is an error in your application, data may be lost.

Check for duplicate data

A lot webhooks based on replies and resubmission requests, especially if your application frequently contains errors. If your order has been processed and these errors still exist, duplicate data may occur in your application.

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