webhooknotification

A webhook notification is an automated HTTP callback that an application sends to a user-specified endpoint when a defined event occurs. It enables real-time communication between systems without the need for constant polling or polling intervals.

Delivery typically works as follows: when an event happens, the provider issues an HTTP POST request to the configured URL. The request often carries a JSON payload describing the event and related resources, along with metadata such as the event type and a timestamp. Headers may include a signature or token to help the receiver verify authenticity. Users can usually choose which events to receive and may specify the payload format or version.

Security and reliability are central considerations. To verify the sender, services may sign the payload with a shared secret, enabling recipients to validate the signature. Transport should use TLS to protect integrity and confidentiality. Webhook delivery is commonly best-effort; providers may retry failed deliveries with backoff, and some systems implement idempotency keys to handle duplicate events. Recipients should design handlers to be idempotent, respond quickly with a 2xx status, and offload heavier processing to asynchronous workflows.

Design considerations include ensuring the endpoint is publicly reachable, protecting endpoints with authentication or IP allowlisting where feasible, and handling version changes gracefully. Typical use cases span payment processing notifications, order and shipment updates, account events, and deployment or monitoring alerts. Effective webhook architectures emphasize security, observability, and robust error handling to maintain reliability.