Say it like this
- We need to configure webhooks for the Stripe integration
- I will set up a webhook to listen for deployment events
- The webhook payload contains all the order details
Use it at work
Integrations
- Stripe sends a webhook when a payment succeeds.
- Let's add a webhook for new sign-ups.
Debugging
- The webhook didn't fire.
- The webhook endpoint returns 500.
Security
- Verify the webhook signature.
- Retry failed webhooks with backoff.
Don't say this
Webhooks receive pushed data, they do not request data. That would be an API call.
Don't mix it up
| Term | What it is | Who writes or uses it | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| webhook | Server calls you when something happens | Backend developers | Events |
| API | You call the server | Developers | Requests |
| polling | You keep asking for updates | Developers | Simple setups |
Practice
Try it
4 quick exercises
1. Your company wants to receive instant notifications from Stripe when payments succeed. Which is the best way to describe this?
2. When a user signs up, our system receives a _______ that contains their email and registration timestamp.
3. Which sentence uses webhook incorrectly?
4. Rewrite in technical English: We want our system to know immediately when something happens in the other system without constantly asking it.
Say it out loud
Phrase 1 of 3
"We need to configure webhooks for the Stripe integration"
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More about webhook
Real examples(3)
- in a standup
"We integrated Slack webhooks so the team gets notified whenever a critical error is logged in production."
- in a code review
"Make sure to validate the webhook signature before processing the request, otherwise we have a security vulnerability."
- in a team meeting
"The webhook from GitHub automatically triggers our CI pipeline every time someone pushes code to main."
More mistakes(2)
Handle with care. Webhooks are not the same as APIs. Webhooks are event-driven callbacks, while APIs are general interfaces for making requests. Do not use these terms interchangeably.
- ✕Our system is polling the webhook every 5 seconds.✓Our system is listening for webhooks from the payment provider.
Webhooks push data to you; you do not poll them. Polling is used with APIs.
- ✕We sent a webhook to update their database.✓We triggered a webhook that sends data to their system.
You do not send webhooks; services send webhooks to your endpoint when events occur.
Other forms(3)
- webhook noun
"The webhook endpoint must handle HTTP POST requests."
- webhooks (plural) noun
"We are setting up multiple webhooks for different event types."
- webhook (used as verb in technical contexts) verb
"We webhook the notification to our logging system."
Often used with(6)
- configure webhooks · Set up or arrange webhooks for a specific service
- webhook endpoint · The URL address where the webhook data will be sent
- webhook payload · The data or information sent in the webhook request
- webhook signature · A security verification that confirms the webhook came from the legitimate source
- listen for webhooks · Have your system ready and waiting to receive webhook notifications
- trigger a webhook · Cause an event that sends a webhook notification
Similar words(3)
- callback · A general term for functions called in response to events. Webhooks are HTTP-based callbacks.
- push notification · Webhooks push data to your system, but push notifications typically refer to mobile app notifications.
- event stream · A continuous flow of events. Webhooks are one way to receive event data.
Opposites(2)
- polling
- request-response
Questions(5)
- What does webhook mean in software engineering?
- A webhook is an automated HTTP callback that one application sends to another when a specific event occurs. It is a way for services to push real-time data to your application instead of your application constantly asking for updates. For example, when you receive payment through Stripe, Stripe sends a webhook to your server with the payment details.
- How do you use webhook in a sentence at work?
- You can use it like: We configured a webhook to receive notifications from the payment provider. We need to validate the webhook signature to ensure security. The webhook payload includes all the order information. Each sentence describes a practical aspect of working with webhooks in development.
- Is webhook formal or informal?
- Webhook is neutral and technical. It is used in both formal documentation and casual team conversations. You might say it in a standup meeting, a code review, or in technical specifications—it is appropriate in all professional tech contexts.
- What is the difference between a webhook and an API?
- An API is a general interface where your application makes requests to another service and waits for a response. A webhook is a specific type of integration where another service pushes data to your application when an event occurs. Webhooks are event-driven and do not require polling, while APIs are request-response based.
- Why are webhooks important in modern applications?
- Webhooks enable real-time communication between services without constant polling, which saves resources and reduces latency. They are essential for building responsive integrations, automating workflows, and keeping systems synchronized. Most modern SaaS platforms like Stripe, GitHub, and Slack use webhooks for their integrations.
