3 ms·
"deliver exactly once" is still an unsolved problem in computer science, so any webhook service is left with the options: 1.) only attempt once 2.) attempt x
by lkrubner 11y ago
"deliver exactly once" is still an unsolved problem in computer science, so any webhook service is left with the options:
1.) only attempt once
2.) attempt x number of times
3.) attempt until delivery is confirmed
All of these can be done, but there are nuances and complications. It's not trivial, which is why we don't see more of it.
Also, and perhaps most obvious, if they force you to poll, they are putting the burden of development on you, whereas if they offer webhooks, they have to take on the cost of development themselves.
- jonahx 11y agoThe difficulty of a foolproof solution isn't a great argument against a solution. That is, many cases, I'd rather have a webhook with the "only attempt once" strategy than an API I have to poll. "Pretty reliable" is often good enough. I think OP's question is valid.
- jjp 11y agoWhether pretty reliable is good enough depends very much on what you are trying to achieve. I'd rather my salary wasn't deposited into my bank account on a pretty reliable basis.
- paulddraper 11y agoI'd be okay with "at least once" :)