Webhooks are a form of APIs that operate in a reverse manner, enabling applications to automatically send data to other applications when specific events occur. Unlike traditional APIs, which are passive and require requests for information, webhooks are active, initiating data transmission when internal events, such as a user signing up, take place. This eliminates the need for constant polling for updates, making webhooks a more efficient solution for event-driven data communication.

The distinction between webhooks and APIs is clarified by highlighting their active and passive natures. While APIs respond to requests, webhooks proactively send data upon triggering events. A practical example involves the use of Stripe, a payment processor, where webhooks automatically notify an application, such as a newsletter system, every time a new customer is created. This streamlines the process compared to using APIs, which would require repetitive requests and additional overhead for checking differences between lists. The article also emphasizes that not all applications support webhooks, and their usage is commonly associated with quick and straightforward integrations, making them suitable for tasks involving the transmission of basic data between applications.