At their core, webhooks are automated messages sent from one system to another when a specific event occurs. Unlike traditional API requests, where a system periodically polls another system to check for updates, webhooks operate on a push mechanism. This means that the sender system pushes an event notification directly to the receiving system as soon as the event occurs, reducing the need for constant polling and, in turn, saving computational resources and bandwidth.
The Webhooks Notification Model
Of the various webhook models available, Zift has implemented the notification model for its efficiency and flexibility. The notification model provides a streamlined method for your system to receive notifications about various events in the Zift processing system. The data payload of this notification typically includes essential information about the event such as event type, timestamp, and a unique identifier. but not the full details. This model balances immediacy with flexibility, allowing your system to control its data retrieval strategy based on your specific requirements and business logic.
Programming Benefits
- Resource Efficiency: One of the most significant benefits of the notification model is its resource efficiency. By only sending a minimal payload initially, Zift’s system reduces the amount of data transferred over the network, which can be particularly beneficial in processes that generate large numbers of events. Your system can then choose to retrieve detailed information only if necessary, avoiding unnecessary data processing and storage.
- Decoupled Architecture: Webhooks promote a decoupled architecture by allowing your system to communicate asynchronously. In the notification model, your system does not need to be constantly aware of Zift’s data state, nor does it need to maintain an open connection. This reduces system dependencies and allows for more modular, maintainable code.
- Scalability: Because your system decides when and if to retrieve more data, this model allows for better handling of high-volume traffic. Your system can implement rate limiting or caching strategies to manage loads, making the entire architecture more scalable.
- Real-Time Updates: The immediate push nature of Zift’s webhooks means that your system can react to events in real time. For instance, if you use Zift’s billing system you could use Zift’s transaction webhook to notify your system if a subscription payment has been made. Your system then decides if it needs more details about this transaction event
Workflow Benefits
- Improved Collaboration: Webhooks enable different teams or systems to work together more effectively by ensuring that everyone has access to the latest data without needing to build complex integrations. This model can be particularly useful in microservices architectures, where different services need to stay in sync without direct dependencies.
- Automated Processes: By using webhooks, you can automate many processes that previously required manual intervention. For example, a Zift webhook could notify your system that a customer’s payment option has been deactivated. This could trigger a process to contact the customer to update their payment option, reducing potential interruption of billing services.
- Enhanced Responsiveness: Systems that rely on polling often suffer from latency issues, as they only check for updates at regular intervals. Zift webhooks eliminate this delay by pushing updates instantly, leading to faster response times and more dynamic user experiences.
Heres a Breakdown of Available System Event Webhooks
- Chargeback Processed: A chargeback for a credit card transaction has been received.
- NOC Processed: A notice of change has been issued for a credit card on file.
- Return Processed: An ACH transaction has been returned.
- Reversal Processed: A chargeback reversal has been received.
- Allocation Created: A customer ledger record has been created, allocating funds to an invoice or the customer's balance.
- Payment Option Created: A new payment option has been added to a customer's account.
- Payment Option Modified: An existing payment option on a customer's account has been updated.
- Subscription Created: A subscription has been set up for a customer.
- Subscription Modified: An existing subscription on a customer's account has been changed.
- Transaction Created: A transaction related to the customer has been initiated, either by the customer or the system.
The Zift notification model of webhooks is a powerful tool for your software development, offering a range of benefits from resource efficiency to improved workflow automation. By adopting this model, you can build more responsive, scalable, and maintainable systems that better meet the demands of your customers.