What is a webhook and How it Can Benefit Your Business

When it comes to integrating different services in your code, utilizing webhooks is a common practice. But what exactly is a webhook?

A webhook is essentially a POST request handler that awaits a call and performs a specific task once triggered.

Here’s an example to illustrate how webhooks work. Let’s say I use Paddle as a platform to sell my Bootcamp course on bootcamp.dev. Every time someone signs up for the course, my webhook is called, providing me with JSON data that includes the customer’s email, name, and the purchased product.

In this case, my webhook is a Node.js app built using Express, but it could be any solution capable of accepting network requests and accessible on the internet. I personally host it on a VPS, but using a serverless function is also an option.

Payment platforms commonly offer webhooks as well. After processing the payment, they allow you to perform additional tasks as needed.

Webhooks can also be used to trigger tasks on a machine according to your preferences. Deployment platforms, such as Netlify or Cloudflare Pages, offer webhooks to initiate new deployments. For instance, I have an IFTTT task set up to trigger the deployment procedure every day at 8AM. This ensures that any scheduled posts are automatically published once the designated publish date has passed.

This reliable consistency enables me to automate my publishing workflow and minimize manual effort.

Webhooks serve as the backbone of many no-code tools, empowering users to create powerful automations that streamline their processes.

Considering the vital role webhooks play in enabling various functionalities, it’s safe to say they are the glue that holds the internet together. They are an indispensable tool for running businesses efficiently, and I’m truly grateful for their existence.