What is a Webhook?
Definition
A webhook is a trigger mechanism that sends an automatic HTTP notification to another application when a specific event occurs in the source app.
How Does a Webhook Work?
Webhooks operate on the principle of "tell me when something happens". With a classic API, the application keeps polling for data; with a webhook, data comes to the application itself.
- Trigger — a specific event in the source app (new order, status change)
- Payload — JSON package carrying the event data
- HTTP POST — automatic delivery to the URL defined by the target app
- Target response — the receiving app processes the data and acknowledges
Compared to polling, webhooks are both faster (instant) and more efficient (no empty queries).
Webhooks in Zoho
Zoho products support webhooks as both triggers and listeners:
- Zoho CRM Workflow — send a webhook to an external system when an opportunity closes
- Zoho Flow — automation flows triggered by incoming webhooks
- Deluge scripting — write custom webhook handlers
- Custom webhook URL — connect events from outside Zoho into Zoho
Webhooks are the heart of real-time integration — e-commerce orders appear instantly in CRM, payments notify the accounting module immediately.
Why Are Webhooks Important?
- Real-time data flow — systems synchronize within seconds
- Low overhead — no empty polling queries
- Flexibility — almost every modern SaaS tool supports webhooks
- Automation foundation — many no-code platforms are built on webhooks
Security is critical when implementing webhooks — secret token validation and HTTPS are standard practice.