A webhook is a mechanism that allows one system to send automated, real-time notifications to another system via an HTTP request. Instead of polling for updates, the receiving application exposes an endpoint, and the sending system pushes data whenever an event occurs. Webhooks are commonly used for integrations, automation, and event-driven workflows.
Why it matters
Webhooks reduce unnecessary polling, lower latency, and enable seamless communication between systems. They are widely used in payment processing, CI/CD tools, and SaaS platforms.
Examples
GitHub sending a webhook when a commit is pushed, or Stripe sending an event when a payment succeeds. Lessons discussing event-driven systems reinforce webhook concepts.