What's the difference between APIs and Webhooks?
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A thread ๐งต
APIs and Webhooks facilitate data transfer between two applications, but in different ways, giving them slightly different purposes.
As you may know, APIs are intermediary software that enables two programs to communicate with each other.
APIs use HTTP to transfer data between client and server bi-directionally in a request and response cycle.
APIs use HTTP to transfer data between client and server bi-directionally in a request and response cycle.
Webhooks only allow one-way communication between client and server, and a specified event triggers this communication.
Using Webhooks involves setting up an HTTP POST Request on the sending end and registering a URL on the receiving end to accept the data.
Using Webhooks involves setting up an HTTP POST Request on the sending end and registering a URL on the receiving end to accept the data.
The main difference is that APIs need a request to return a response, but Webhooks do not.
This makes Webhooks less resource-intensive because, unlike APIs, they do not need to poll for new data constantly.
This makes Webhooks less resource-intensive because, unlike APIs, they do not need to poll for new data constantly.
A client can use an API to create, read, update and delete (CRUD) data on a website.
Webhooks, however, are set up to listen for specific events that initiate a planned response. They do not allow a user to perform CRUD operations.
Webhooks, however, are set up to listen for specific events that initiate a planned response. They do not allow a user to perform CRUD operations.
However, the reasons that make Webhooks lightweight and easy to use are the same reasons that make them more limiting than standard APIs.
However, Webhooks may benefit smaller tasks or an app requiring real-time updates.
However, Webhooks may benefit smaller tasks or an app requiring real-time updates.
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