Automation in Action: APIs vs Webhooks
In simple terms, an API is a set of rules that allow one application to talk to another, while a webhook is a way for an app to provide other applications with real-time information.
An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of protocols and tools for building software applications. It specifies how software components should interact and APIs allow communication between different systems.
A Webhook is a way for an app to provide other applications with real-time information. A webhook is a simple HTTP callback, an HTTP POST that occurs when something happens; a simple event-notification via HTTP POST. A webhook delivers data to other applications as it happens, meaning you get data immediately.
![](https://uploads-us-west-2.insided.com/zapier-ca/attachment/8b2a7812-bb3d-44c0-ba39-cee0544bed5f.png)
Both can be used in Zaps with the Webhooks app: https://zapier.com/apps/webhook/integrations#triggers-and-actions
![](https://uploads-us-west-2.insided.com/zapier-ca/attachment/4ddf52d8-f675-4e1e-9d2f-c95cdaeeaf62.png)