How does a webhook differ from a traditional API call?
- Webhooks have an API limit of four calls per second per authentication method.
- Webhooks only complete an action once the stated event occurs.
- Webhooks can only be used in a private app.
- Webhooks always return 200 successful response codes.
Explanation: A webhook differs from a traditional API call primarily in its operational mechanism and trigger nature, making the statement ‘Webhooks only complete an action once the stated event occurs’ the correct choice. Unlike traditional API calls where a client actively requests data or performs an action, webhooks operate on a push model, wherein the server initiates communication by sending data to a specified URL (usually provided by the client) when a specific event or trigger condition occurs. This event-driven architecture enables real-time updates and automatic actions in response to specific events without the need for constant polling by the client. The other options provided are incorrect: Webhooks are not inherently limited to four calls per second per authentication method, as their rate limits can vary depending on the service provider and configuration; they are not exclusive to private apps, as they can be utilized in various applications including public-facing ones; and their response codes depend on the implementation and execution of the webhook, thus not always returning a 200 successful response code. Therefore, understanding the fundamental distinction between webhooks and traditional API calls lies in their trigger-based nature, where webhooks react to events, ensuring actions are only performed when specific conditions are met, setting them apart from the request-response model of traditional APIs.