Webhooks Explained: How Event-Driven HTTP Callbacks Replace Constant Polling

Webhooks are HTTP callbacks that allow one system to proactively notify another when a specific event occurs, eliminating the need for repeated polling requests. Instead of a client repeatedly querying a server for updates, the server sends a POST request with event data to a pre-registered URL. Common real-world uses include GitHub triggering CI/CD pipelines, Stripe sending payment confirmations, and banks notifying systems of balance changes. A reliable webhook receiver should verify the request signature using HMAC-SHA256, ensure idempotency to avoid processing duplicate events, and respond quickly with a 2xx status. Webhooks and polling are often used together in production systems, with webhooks handling real-time events and periodic polling acting as a safety net for missed notifications.
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