Webhook vs. Polling

Noun ยท Comparison · Development

Definitions

  1. Two approaches to getting updates: polling (repeatedly asking 'anything new?') vs. webhooks (getting called when something happens). Polling is simpler; webhooks are more efficient. The 'checking the mailbox every 5 minutes' vs. 'getting a doorbell' debate.

    In plain English: Two ways to get updates: polling keeps asking 'got anything new?' over and over, while webhooks wait quietly and only get notified when something actually happens. Webhooks are usually more efficient.

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