Dive into the fascinating world of webhooks! Discover how these user-defined callbacks can simplify server communication in projects from e-commerce to media processing. Learn about best practices for architecture, message history, and securing your webhooks. The hosts share handy tools like Ngrok for easy URL management and tips on testing your webhooks effectively. Plus, explore low-code solutions to enhance workflow automation and streamline your development process!
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insights INSIGHT
Webhooks Defined
Webhooks are user-defined HTTP callbacks triggered by events.
They send data to another service when something specific happens, like a purchase or chargeback.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Stripe Webhooks for Chargebacks
Wes uses webhooks with Stripe to manage chargebacks for online courses.
When a chargeback occurs, Stripe pings his server, allowing him to lock the fraudulent account.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Video Platform Webhooks
Scott uses webhooks for Level Up Tutorials' video platform.
After an upload, the platform processes the video and sends a webhook notification when it's ready.
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In this Hasty Treat, Scott and Wes talk about webhooks — one of those concepts that seems a lot scarier than it actually is.
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Show Notes
03:42 - What are webhooks?
User-defined HTTP callbacks
When something happens, ping this URL with this data
Examples:
When something sells, ping this URL
When someone reverses a charge, lock their account
Trigger a build of the website when the content changes
Then someone buys a shirt, generate a shipping label and save it to the DB
07:57 - Sending End
Can be a great way to hook two services together
09:13 - Receiving End
Often you will be the one that accepts the webhook ping
In this case, you set up an endpoint
11:00 - Payloads
Almost all will send a JSON body that you parse out
The method send is variable
11:51 - Auth
On the receiving end of a webhook, you often get a token which you can then ping the service with. It will tell you if that request was legit or not.
On the sending end, you can often set up headers with auth - same with the method
Syntax - Tasty Web Development Treats