What are Webhooks in Magento 2
Magento stores come with various small tasks and system processes that require updates.
Webhooks help automate tasks and trigger simple notifications to your store. It can update inventory systems, customer information, and shopping cart sessions.
You can efficiently run background functions on your store using webhooks.
Get webhooks explained and learn how it works.
What is a Webhook
A webhook is one of the ways applications interact with each other. It is done using HTTPS custom callbacks and is triggered by an event.
A webhook allows you to send real-time data from one system to another. In traditional systems, a program (subject) requests the other system (observer) for data. It is called the polling method.
Webhooks allow the observer to push data to the subject’s system automatically. As a result, the subject does not have to request data from other systems constantly.
Webhooks are used to send automated messages between applications.
For example:
A customer gets an SMS on their phone after completing a purchase. In this case, the purchase is the trigger event. A webhook URL is added to the purchase form.
It automatically sends data to the receiving application (the SMS system).
Webhook vs. API
A webhook is different from an API. The primary difference is API allows you to request data.
So webhooks use event-based output methods. It notifies you when a specific event has occurred.
APIs consume more resources with frequent queries. For instant data updates, webhooks are more suitable.
Using APIs in Magento
APIs enable robust integrations between systems. It offers two-way communication based on a request-response cycle.
APIs can handle CRUD operations -It stands for Create, Read, Update, Delete. The APIs aren’t just displaying data to the customers on an interface.
It can help make changes in web apps and expand their functions.
Use the API when there is a constant data exchange between two systems.
If the data exchange is stagnant, you don’t have to use such a resource-intensive method.
For example, you may have to update shipping and tracking data. An API will make constant requests and waste resources.
You can induce a call limit on API to restrict the number of requests.
Using Webhooks in Magento
Webhooks offer lightweight data sharing. JSON is a text-based format for sharing structured data.
The method does not add frequent requests to the system. As a result, it uses fewer resources than the API.
Webhooks are easier to set up, whereas APIs require more configurations.
You can implement a webhook by:
- Setting up a single POST request on the sending end.
- Establish a URL on the receiving end to accept the data.
- Lastly, you set up some action on the data once it is received.
Use webhooks if your website requires instant updates and you don’t want to lose resources.
How do Webhooks Work
Webhooks are user-defined HTTP callbacks. It has snippets of code linked to a web application and triggered by specific events.
A third-party application or website is the webhook provider. When an event occurs, it sends a signal to specific applications.
The Magento website contains a URL as a listener. The URL is designed to execute two actions.
- Receive signals from the webhook after the triggered event.
- Execute the predefined actions.
Webhook is a supportive POST request sent to a specific webhook URL. A payload URL is set up to receive the body of the POST request and process it.
The functioning of a webhook is as follows:
- An action occurs in the connected website or source application
- The webhooks inspects the event
- The data relating to the event is received
- Webhook delivers the gathered data to the specified URL.
Webhooks allow you to configure an event on one site and execute the action on another.
Webhooks Usability for Magento 2
Webhooks work well when the data is consistent and does not change often. Empty feedback from the API can cause delays. It also restricts the number of requests made over time.
Use webhooks to carry out small tasks and requests for your store.
Webhooks are best used in the following cases:
- Magento website updates
- Customer and profiles
- Automated emails
- Managing subscriptions
- Inventory updates
- Sales updates
Set up webhooks when the product, cart, or checkout is updated. The system is informed about orders, refund data, and discounts.
You can personalize webhooks according to your business requirements.
Notification Features of Webhooks in Magento 2
1. Carry API Injunctions
Webhooks offer instant notifications after an event has started.
Some of the webhook notification events are:
- New order comment
- New order, credit memo, or invoice
- Customer login and account sign-ups
- Shipping methods
- New/update/delete product
2. Send Notifications on Cart Abandonment
Webhooks are used to send API requests on cart abandonment. The specific system can read and delete abandoned carts.
The leftover session data and customer behavior are saved in the system. It is used to notify the sales team and allows for marketing automation.
3. Transfers Customer Data to CRM
Get support for CRMs and email marketing systems. Data such as orders or customers will automatically be sent to the CRMs.
The data is unified and constantly updated on all platforms. It allows for real-time updates on customer data using automated mechanisms.
4. Log Requests
Hook logs are supported to help admins update the status of hooks.
You can quickly get error messages and the hook details. It includes Log ID and entity and checks the log requests and responses.
5. Notify Errors
You can get notified via webhooks when errors exceed daily, monthly, or yearly thresholds. Set up webhooks to only notify you of specific errors in your store.
How to Configure Webhooks in Magento 2
The Magento system does not support webhooks natively.
You can add a webhook module such as the Mageplaza webhook extension. Once you install a webhook extension, you can add general configurations from the Magento admin panel.
It includes the following settings:
- Enable or Disable the module
- Select a time to send notifications about abandoned cart
- Deliver alert emails when any error arises
- Clear logs every day
- Fix a total number for logs
- Choose email template
Summary
Webhooks are used to automate small Magento store-related tasks.
You can optimize store processes and can be triggered by particular events. Streamline events such as abandoned carts or send emails to customers.
It helps keep track of customer orders and profile details. You can have consistent data across various systems using webhooks.
Learn more about the Magento platform on the MGT Commerce blog.
