Webhooks are HTTP callbacks that let one system notify another system when an event happens. Instead of polling an API repeatedly, the sender pushes an event payload to a URL you control. Webhooks are widely used for delivery events, publish notifications, and integration workflows where near real-time updates matter.
When Webhooks Beat Polling
Webhooks also improve UX for internal tools. For example, an admin dashboard can update message status in near real time when events arrive, instead of refreshing every few seconds. This makes operational monitoring more accurate and reduces unnecessary load.
Polling wastes resources and introduces delays. Webhooks are more efficient because they send information only when something changes. They also pair naturally with a public API model, where you create or configure resources through API calls and then receive events asynchronously. In email systems, webhooks are commonly used for bounces, complaints, and delivery confirmations.
Designing a Reliable Webhook Receiver
Security is part of reliability. Validate signatures, restrict allowed IP ranges when possible, and reject unexpected content types. Also version your payload schema and keep backward-compatible parsing so older event formats do not break your receiver during upgrades.
Webhook delivery is usually “at least once,” which means duplicates are normal. Your receiver should be idempotent, validate payload signatures, and respond quickly. Store the event ID, process asynchronously, and retry safely. If you already support event callbacks patterns inside your product, unify naming and payload structures so integrations feel consistent.
Webhooks in Email and SaaS Products
If your product integrates with an email API, webhooks can keep your internal state accurate. For example, you can update message status or trigger follow-up flows when events arrive. For broader SaaS integration work, webhooks also help synchronize tenants, provisioning, and template publish actions without building fragile cron-based syncing.
Webhooks and Topol
Topol fits well into webhook-driven architectures by producing predictable template output and integration-friendly workflows that reduce surprises when events drive automated sends. Learn more at Topol or sign up at Topol signup.