API vs Webhook: What’s the Difference?

An API is a set of rules and protocols that allow one piece of software or system to interact with another. It defines methods and data formats that applications can use to communicate with each other. APIs allow applications or services to communicate with each other. can talk to each other Whether running on the same machine or distributed over a network.

1. Request and response model: APIs work according to client-server model. Where the client sends a request to the server and reacts with the server requested data or action.

2. Data Exchange: Data exchange between the system can come in a variety of formats, such as JSON (JavaScript object notation), XML (Extensible Markup language), or plain text.

3. Methods/Closing Points: API exposes several closing points (URL) that customers can call. Each point has a specific HTTP method(GET, POST, PUT, DELETE). These methods determine the type of interaction that occurs:

• GET: Request information

• POST: Send data to create something new.

• PUT: Update existing data.

• Delete: Delete data.

4. Authentication: To ensure secure communication. An API may be required, typically using an API key, OAuth, or another authentication mechanism.

• Weather application sends a request to the weather services API to get the latest weather information. The app sends a GET request to Weather API, and the server reacts with data in the JSON format, which the app displays the user.

• REST API: A widely used type of API based on the principles of Representative State Transfer (REST) ​​It uses HTTP methods and is stateless.

• SOAP API: A more rigorous and secure API standard using XML-based messaging. It's more complex but suitable for enterprise environments.

• GraphQL API: A flexible query language for the API allows customers to request only the data they need.

Webhook is a way for one system to instantly send real-time data to another system without the need to repeatedly request (poll) the second system. Essentially, a webhook is a "return" API call that is automatically triggered by an event on the webhook Server side.

1. Event-driven: Webhooks are specifically designed to trigger actions based on specific events, such as the creation of a new user. Completed payment or status updates

2. Data Push: Unlike APIs where the client requests data, webhooks push data from the server to the client when a predefined event occurs.

3. Real-time communication: Because webhooks are event-driven It is therefore suitable for real-time or near-real-time applications.

4. HTTP POST request: When an event occurs A webhook triggers an HTTP POST request to a predefined URL. (webhook endpoint) This request often includes information about the event.

• Whenever payment is completed Payment processors can send web pages to your server. The webhook may contain details about the transaction (e.g. transaction ID, amount, status). Your server will be able to process the data and update the payment status in your database.

• Real-time information: Webhooks can instantly notify client systems when events occur.

• The number of products is reduced: instead of constantly asking the server if there is new data, the client system will automatically receive a notification which saves resources.

• Direction of Communication: API is a response to a request. This means that the client makes a request and the server replies. Webhooks are event-driven and automatically send data from the server to the client.

• Request Frequency: The API requires clients to make regular requests to check for new data. While webhooks only send data when an event occurs.

• Use cases: APIs are typically used to search and manage data, while Webhooks are used for real-time event notifications.

APIs are a way for systems to request and receive information from each other.Webhooks allow systems to automatically send data to other systems when specific events occur.

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