Quick definition · 2 min Internet & web term

Webhook

A webhook is an automatic message one app sends another the instant something happens, so nothing has to keep checking.

Think of it like

A doorbell instead of looking out the window every minute. The event rings you the moment it occurs.

Example

When someone pays, a webhook instantly tells your app, which then emails the receipt, no checking required.

Why it matters

Webhooks are the glue of automation. They are how tools and AI agents react to events in real time.

Where you’ll see it
StripeGitHubZapier
Go deeper Webhooks vs Polling (full explainer) → The full explainer. This quick definition is just the on-ramp. Next step Webhooks vs Polling: which to use → When events should push vs when to check.
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