What is a webhook?

A webhook works a bit like that notification system, but for websites or applications. It’s a way for one system (like a website or app) to automatically send data or information to another system when something specific happens.

Here’s a simple example:

• Let’s say you have an app that processes orders. When someone places an order, you want to automatically send that order info to another app (like a shipping service) to start preparing the delivery.
• Instead of manually checking for new orders and sending that info, you set up a webhook. The moment a new order happens, your app automatically sends the order data to the shipping service app, without you needing to do anything.

Imagine you’re baking cookies, and you tell your friend, “Hey, when the cookies are done, text me!”

• You’re the app.
• Your friend is the webhook.
• The cookies being done is the event.

So, when the cookies are done (the event), your friend (the webhook) automatically sends you a text (the data) to let you know. You didn’t have to call your friend or keep checking the oven—your friend just did it automatically as soon as the cookies were ready.

In tech terms:

• A webhook is like your friend who knows when to send you a message.
• The message is data, and the cookies are the event that triggers it.

Key points:

• Event-based: A webhook is triggered by a specific event (like an order being placed).
• Automatic: Once triggered, the webhook sends information to another system (like an API) without you needing to call or request it.
• Real-time: Webhooks are great for real-time updates. You don’t have to constantly check if there’s new data — the webhook does it for you.