Webhook

When building no-code apps, you often need your app to respond instantly to events in other systems. For example, if a payment succeeds in Stripe, you may want to update your database or send a confirmation email. Instead of checking repeatedly for updates, you can use a webhook.

A webhook is a way for one app to send real-time data to another app when an event happens. In no-code, webhooks allow your app to receive updates instantly without manual refreshes or repeated API calls.

In this guide, I’ll explain what a webhook is, how it works in no-code, real-world examples, benefits, and best practices for using them effectively.

What is a Webhook?

A webhook is an automated message sent from one system to another when a specific event occurs. It usually contains data about the event in JSON format and is delivered to a URL endpoint you set up.

For example:

• Stripe sends a webhook to your app when a payment succeeds.
• Shopify sends a webhook when a new order is created.
• Slack sends a webhook when a message is posted.

Unlike APIs where you request data, webhooks push data to you in real time.

How Webhooks Work in No-code Platforms

Here’s the typical flow of a webhook in no-code:

1. Event happens – An action occurs in the external app (like a payment).
2. Webhook is triggered – The external app sends data to your webhook URL.
3. No-code platform receives data – Your app or automation tool captures the webhook.
4. Workflow runs – Actions are triggered in your no-code app.

Example in Bubble: Set up an API workflow to receive webhooks from Stripe.
Example in FlutterFlow: Connect webhooks through backend functions or use Make/n8n.
Example in Zapier: Use Catch Hook trigger to capture data and start an automation.
Example in Make: Use the Webhook module to receive data and process it.
Example in n8n: Add a Webhook node to listen for incoming events.

Benefits of Webhooks in No-code

Webhooks bring speed, automation, and flexibility to your no-code projects.

Key benefits include:

• Real-time updates – Data arrives instantly after an event.
• Efficiency – No need for constant polling with APIs.
• Automation – Trigger workflows across different platforms.
• Scalability – Handle many events automatically.
• Flexibility – Can connect almost any external app.

This makes webhooks essential for event-driven no-code apps.

Examples of Webhooks in Action

Here are real-world examples of how webhooks are used in no-code apps:

• E-commerce – When an order is placed in Shopify, a webhook updates your Bubble or Webflow app.
• Payments – Stripe sends a webhook when a payment succeeds, triggering an email or database update.
• Chat apps – Receive Slack or Discord messages in a no-code app.
• CRM – Send a webhook to Make when a lead is created, then add it to your CRM automatically.
• Notifications – Send webhook data to Glide for updating in-app alerts.

These examples show how webhooks allow real-time communication between apps.

Webhook vs API in No-code

APIs and webhooks are often confused but serve different purposes:

• API – Your app requests data whenever it needs it.
• Webhook – The external app pushes data to you automatically when something happens.

For no-code, APIs are better for on-demand data, while webhooks are better for real-time updates. Many apps use both together.

Webhooks in Popular No-code Platforms

Here’s how webhooks work across the main no-code tools:

• Bubble – Supports webhooks via API workflows (backend workflows).
• Glide – Can receive webhook data through automation tools like Zapier or Make.
• FlutterFlow – Can trigger workflows with webhooks through integrations or automation platforms.
• Webflow – Sends webhook events from CMS updates or connects to external webhooks.
• Zapier – Has a Webhook app with Catch Hook and Custom Request features.
• Make – Provides Webhook modules to receive and send webhook data.
• n8n – Offers powerful Webhook nodes for custom event handling.

This makes webhooks accessible no matter which no-code stack you use.

How to Use Webhooks Effectively in No-code

To make webhooks work smoothly, follow these best practices:

• Plan events – Decide which events need real-time updates.
• Secure URLs – Use secret tokens or keys to validate incoming webhooks.
• Log events – Store webhook requests for debugging.
• Test carefully – Use tools like RequestBin or webhook.site to inspect payloads.
• Retry logic – Make sure your workflow handles failed webhook deliveries.
• Combine with APIs – Use APIs alongside webhooks for complete workflows.

Good webhook management keeps your apps reliable and secure.

Conclusion

A webhook in no-code is a way for apps to talk to each other in real time. Instead of asking for updates through APIs, your app gets notified instantly when events happen.

Whether you’re using Bubble, Webflow, FlutterFlow, or automation tools like Zapier, Make, and n8n, webhooks allow your apps to integrate deeply with external services.

If you want your no-code apps to be responsive, automated, and scalable, mastering webhooks is a must.