APIs Vs Webhooks Explained.

API calls Simplified:

API calls are usually a method to request information from a server or database. For example: When you try to load a website, your browser is actually making an API call. The browser is requesting the HTML, CSS and JavaScript files that make up that website. The same goes for when you use a mobile app.

API calls are bi-directional interactions between the database and the application. An API call is the process of sending a request from a client to a server. The server then responds to the client's request. API calls are made from the client to the server, and the server responds to the client.

To simplify this concept: An API call is a request to the server from a client. The client could be a web browser, mobile app, or server-side application. To make an API call, you send a request to a URL that identifies the source or destination of the information. A request includes the specific action you want the server to take, plus any required parameters.

In the above example: the API call keeps on checking if the data is ready! , but if you are using Webhooks, then the whole scenario could be an event driven type of call. And I'll be explaining Webhooks below:

API Benefits:

There are a number of benefits to making API calls. When you make an API call, you are interacting directly with the database or server. This means that you can perform certain tasks faster and with less effort than you would if you were to use a third-party service. Additionally, you are in control of the data that is being transmitted.

API calls offer many benefits, such as being able to automate tasks, Rapid response times and sending notifications to your users. API calls are faster than traditional methods of communication, which can be important when you need to get information quickly. Enhanced security.

Webhook Calls Simplified:

Webhooks are not a new technology, but they have become increasingly popular in the past few years. A webhook is a connection between a server and a client that allows for data to be sent from one place to another. A webhook is not a direct interaction between the client and the server. It is a connection that is initiated by the server.

For example: Webhooks will allow you to automate the process of sending data between your application and a backend. When your application sends data to a backend, you can use a webhook to automate the process. You can also use a webhook to send notifications to your users. Webhooks are a great way to automate the tasks that you need to do on a regular basis.

Webhooks benefits:

Webhooks are mostly event driven type of action, which means that they triggered when a certain event occurs. Thus, Webhooks also offer a number of benefits that can be useful for businesses or projects. Some of the benefits of webhooks include:

Like the API calls, Webhooks have Rapid response times, which can be important when you need to get information quickly. Reduced development time and costs.

Webhooks have a number of benefits that make them an attractive option for businesses and developers. One of the main benefits of webhooks is that they offer a way to automate the process of sending data between your application and a backend. Additionally, webhooks are a great way to send notifications to your users (remember they are an event driven type of interaction).

In Conclusion:

API calls are bi-directional calls, while the Webhooks are Uni-Directional (or One way) type of calls, and they are mostly event driven type of calls.

The main benefit of using API calls is that they are a direct interaction with the database. This means that you are not reliant on third-party applications. In addition, API calls are faster than using other methods because you are not relying on external servers.

While another benefit of APIs & webhooks is that they offer enhanced security when communicating between a client and server.

A webhook is a great way to automate the process of sending data between your application and a backend. Additionally, you are in control of the data that is being transmitted.

References:

https://www.sendinblue.com/blog/what-is-a-webhook/