Webhook
Webhook
A mechanism that automatically sends data between web services in real time whenever a specific event occurs
In Simple Terms
A Webhook is a mechanism that automatically sends data to another system when a specific event occurs in one system. You register a URL in advance to receive the data, which enables real-time communication between services. Unlike polling — where you repeatedly check for updates — a Webhook means the sender pushes data to you the moment something happens, cutting out unnecessary requests. Webhooks are widely used to connect multiple web services and automate tasks, such as triggering a notification the instant a payment is completed or automatically sharing a new blog post on social media.
Behind the Name
The word "Webhook" is a combination of "Web" and "Hook." In programming, a "hook" is a mechanism that lets you inject additional processing whenever a specific event fires. Webhooks take that same idea and apply it to systems connected over the web.
Take a Closer Look!
A Webhook is a mechanism that automatically sends data to another system whenever a specific event occurs in one system.
You register a destination URL in advance, and data is pushed to that URL as soon as the event fires — enabling real-time communication.
This is the reverse of polling, the traditional approach to data exchange.
With polling, your system regularly checks in and asks "is there anything new?" Webhooks flip that around: you set things up so the source pushes data to you the moment something new happens — no repeated asking required.
Because you no longer need to keep checking, Webhooks eliminate wasteful requests while still delivering updates in near real time.
For example, they power things like receiving a notification the instant a credit card payment is confirmed, or automatically posting to social media when a new blog article goes live.
Webhooks are a go-to technology for connecting multiple web services and automating tasks that would otherwise require manual effort.