The beginner's guide to webhooks for workflow automation

Webhooks, first introduced in 2007, have significantly transformed how web applications interact by enabling real-time data access and automation of workflows. Unlike APIs and polling, which require continuous requests for updates, webhooks operate on an event-based system, automatically notifying apps of specific events as they occur. This efficiency allows for immediate actions, such as sending confirmation emails or syncing data between systems. Webhooks are particularly useful for automating workflows in platforms like n8n, where nodes like Webhook and Respond to Webhook can trigger and handle responses for various automations, including GDPR compliance, URL shortening, incident response, content updates, and document e-signatures. These capabilities underscore the versatility and speed of webhooks in managing automated tasks without the need for constant polling or manual API requests.