<strong>Polling</strong> is repeatedly asking for updates, <strong>webhooks</strong> are push notifications when events occur, and <strong>WebSockets</strong> are persistent two-way connections. Each suits different real-time needs.
The Delivery Notification Analogy
Polling: Check door every 5 minutes. Webhooks: Doorbell rings when package arrives. WebSockets: Phone call with delivery person (constant communication).
Polling (Check Door)
Ask every 5 min
Webhooks (Doorbell)
Notified when it arrives
WebSockets (Phone Call)
Ongoing conversation
Needs Updates
Poll/Webhook/WS
Has Data
Polling: Client asks repeatedly
GET /api/status every 5 seconds
Webhooks: Server notifies
POST to your URL when event happens
WebSockets: Persistent connection
Bidirectional channel stays open
Polling: Wasteful if no changes
99% of requests return 'no updates'
WebSockets: Instant updates
Server pushes data immediately
Wrong
"WebSockets are always better than polling"
Correct
<strong>Each has trade-offs</strong>. Polling is simple, works everywhere. Webhooks are efficient for server-to-server. WebSockets are best for real-time client apps but complex to scale.
When to use each:
Polling: Check email every 5 minutes (low frequency, simple)
Webhooks: Payment confirmation from Stripe (server-to-server)
WebSockets: Chat app, live sports scores (real-time, bidirectional)
Polling: 100 requests for 1 update. WebSockets: 1 connection, instant updates