Webhooks vs Polling: Which API Integration Pattern Is Better?

TL;DR: Polling checks for updates periodically (simple but inefficient). Webhooks push updates in real-time (efficient but complex). Use polling for infrequent checks, webhooks for real-time updates. Modern PetstoreAPI supports both patterns with reliable webhook delivery. Try Apidog today Understanding the Difference Polling: Client repeatedly asks, “Any updates?” Webhooks: Server pushes updates to the client as soon as something happens. Analogy: Polling = Checking your mailbox every hour Webhooks = Mail carrier rings your doorbell when mail arrives Polling: How It Works The client sends periodic requests to check for changes. // Poll every 30 seconds setInterval(async () => { const response = await fetch('https://petstoreapi.com/api/v1/orders/123'); const order = await response.json(); if (order.status === 'completed') { console.log('Order completed!', order); clearInterval(pollInterval); } }, 30000); Polling patterns: Simple polling: GET /api/v1/orders/123 # Returns current orde