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How do webhooks allow applications to communicate asynchronously?
Asked on Nov 24, 2025
Answer
Webhooks enable applications to communicate asynchronously by allowing one application to send real-time data to another when a specific event occurs. This is achieved by registering a URL endpoint on the receiving application, which the sending application calls with an HTTP request whenever the event is triggered.
Example Concept: Webhooks operate by having the receiving application provide a public URL endpoint to the sending application. When an event occurs in the sending application (such as a new user registration or a payment confirmation), it sends an HTTP POST request to the specified URL with a payload containing event data. This allows the receiving application to process the data immediately, enabling real-time updates and integrations without the need for continuous polling.
Additional Comment:
- Webhooks are commonly used in services like GitHub, Stripe, and Slack to notify external systems of events.
- Security can be enhanced by validating incoming requests using secret tokens or signatures.
- It's important to handle webhook requests asynchronously to prevent blocking the sending application.
- Ensure proper error handling and retry mechanisms in case of delivery failures.
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