Owais Ahmed’s Post

### What is a Webhook? A webhook is a method of communication between different systems or applications, allowing real-time data transfer. Unlike traditional APIs, where you need to frequently make requests to check for new data, a webhook pushes the data directly to your application as soon as an event occurs. This is often referred to as a “reverse API” because it allows the server to send data instead of waiting for requests. ### How Webhooks Work Webhooks work by sending an HTTP POST request to a specified URL (the "callback URL") whenever a specific event occurs in a system. For example, if you're using a payment gateway like Stripe, you could set up a webhook to notify your system whenever a payment is successful. ### Benefits of Webhooks 1. **Real-Time Updates**: Webhooks enable instantaneous updates, which can be crucial for applications needing live data. 2. **Efficiency**: It reduces the need for constant polling, saving bandwidth and computational resources. 3. **Automation**: Webhooks are widely used in automation workflows, triggering specific actions based on certain events. Use Cases Webhooks have many applications: - **E-commerce**: Trigger notifications for orders, payments, and deliveries. - **Social Media**: Post automatic updates to various platforms. - **CI/CD Pipelines**: Trigger builds or tests whenever a code repository is updated. Conclusion Webhooks are an efficient way to handle real-time data transfer, automating processes across platforms and systems. Their simplicity and utility make them a powerful tool in modern development.

Before you add that next big feature, ask yourself: is your software performing at its best? 🤔 The best features in the world mean nothing if your software can’t keep up. We often celebrate features, functionalities, and user experience. But there's one critical attribute that silently powers the success of every software application—Performance. As software engineers, we’re not just building applications; we’re crafting experiences. And nothing ruins a great experience faster than poor performance. Imagine this: you’ve built an incredibly feature-rich app, but every time a user tries to access a feature, they’re met with long load times or laggy responses. All those amazing functionalities become irrelevant because users won’t stick around to appreciate them. 🟢Why does Performance matter? E-commerce Platforms During peak shopping seasons like Black Friday, millions of users flood e-commerce websites. If your site can’t handle the traffic—resulting in slow page loads or crashes—you’re not just losing transactions; you’re losing customer trust. Studies show that a mere 1-second delay can lead to a 7% reduction in conversions. That’s a huge impact on revenue! Financial Services In the world of high-frequency trading, milliseconds matter. A delay in processing trades could mean the difference between profit and loss. For financial software, optimising for speed and minimising latency isn’t just important—it’s mission-critical. 🟢Do you want to optimise performance? Efficient Algorithms: Choosing the right algorithms can drastically reduce execution time. For example, using a binary search instead of a linear search can make a world of difference in large datasets. Load Balancing: Distributing traffic across multiple servers ensures no single server becomes a bottleneck, keeping the user experience smooth even under heavy loads. Caching: By storing frequently accessed data in memory, we can reduce the time needed to retrieve that data, resulting in faster response times. Profiling and Testing: Regularly profiling your code helps identify performance bottlenecks. Performance testing under real-world conditions ensures your software can handle the load it’s expected to face. Performance isn’t just a checkbox on a QA list—it’s a core component of delivering value to users. In today’s competitive landscape, users have high expectations, and if your software can’t keep up, they’ll move on to something that can. It’s our responsibility to champion performance at every stage of development. Because when your software performs well, it doesn’t just work—it wins. #SoftwareEngineering #Performance #SoftwareDevelopment #EngineeringExcellence #TechLeadership

APIs. You’ve probably heard the word thrown around if you’ve been around the tech world. But let’s be real, APIs often get misunderstood. People hear "API" and think it’s some complicated tech term only developers care about. 😅 But here’s the truth: APIs are really simple, and they do a lot more than you might think. They’re just helpers that make websites and apps work better! Here’s a breakdown of the most common misunderstandings about APIs: “APIs are too complicated” Nope! Think of an API like a waiter at a restaurant. You (the website) ask the waiter (the API) for something (a map, payment processing, etc.), and they bring it back to you from the kitchen (another service or website). “APIs are only for big companies” Not true! Small businesses and websites use APIs too. Whether it’s showing a weather forecast, letting people log in with Google, or accepting online payments, all of that uses APIs. “APIs are only for developers” While developers create and work with APIs, you don’t have to be a tech expert to use them! APIs make your website or app work smoothly without having to reinvent the wheel. “APIs slow things down” Actually, APIs help your website run faster! They save time because they let you use existing services instead of building everything from scratch. So, next time you hear “API,” don’t panic! It’s just a tool that helps make your website more powerful, faster, and easier to use. Want to learn more about how APIs can help your website? Let’s chat! I can show you how it all works. 😊

Shopify’s Transition from REST to GraphQL. What It Means for Your Business? On October 1, 2024, Shopify officially marked its REST Admin API as a legacy platform, paving the way for the more efficient GraphQL Admin API. For businesses, this shift is more than a technical update. It’s a game-changer for operational efficiency, scalability and data-driven insights.   Why GraphQL? Efficient Data Retrieval: Fetch only what you need, improving performance and reducing resource usage. Streamlined Operations: Combine multiple queries into a single request for faster, smoother integrations. Enhanced Developer Tools: Clear schemas and dynamic testing make workflows more reliable and agile.   Challenges Ahead Transitioning from REST to GraphQL comes with its hurdles: 1️. Aligning custom integrations without disrupting workflows 2. Training teams to adopt GraphQL's unique syntax and capabilities 3️. Ensuring compliance with GDPR, CCPA, and other regulations 4️. Minimizing downtime to maintain seamless operations   How to Prepare 1️. Map current REST endpoints to GraphQL equivalents 2️. Use Shopify’s tools and guides to streamline migration 3️. Test thoroughly in sandbox environments before live deployment   Let’s Simplify the Transition Migrating to GraphQL may seem daunting, but with the right planning, it can become a strategic advantage. By focusing on real-time data integration and scalable solutions, we can ensure your operations stay smooth while unlocking new opportunities for growth.   The Time to Act Is Now! GraphQL is the future of e-commerce APIs. It offers the agility, precision and performance needed to stay ahead in a competitive landscape. We are willing to work together with you to navigate this shift and build a stronger foundation for your business.

The evolution of Shopify’s Admin API from REST to GraphQL marks a significant turning point for businesses! As highlighted by our VP of Sales, this transition isn't just about adopting a new API—it’s about leveraging GraphQL's efficiency to unlock new opportunities in e-commerce innovation. At APPSeCONNECT, we are committed to simplifying this transition for our customers and partners. With tools and strategies designed to streamline migration, we are here to help businesses navigate the challenges and fully harness the potential of GraphQL.   The future of API integration is here. Let’s build it together!   #Shopify #GraphQL #APIs #Innovation #APPSeCONNECT #Automation #Integration #Leadership #Transformation

**Harnessing the Power of APIs in Web Development** In today's fast-paced digital landscape, integrating APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) into your website is no longer optional—it's essential. APIs enable seamless communication between different software systems, allowing your website to leverage external data and services, enhancing functionality and user experience. **Why Use APIs?** 1. Expand Functionality: APIs allow you to integrate third-party services like payment gateways, social media feeds, and maps, providing a richer experience without starting from scratch. 2. Boost Efficiency: By utilizing APIs, developers can save time and resources, focusing on core business features instead of reinventing the wheel. 3. Enhance User Experience: Real-time data updates, such as live scores, weather forecasts, or stock prices, keep users engaged and informed. 4. Scalability: APIs support scalable solutions, enabling your website to grow and adapt to increasing demands effortlessly. **How to Get Started:** 1. Identify Needs: Determine which functionalities can be enhanced or added through APIs—whether it's user authentication, data retrieval, or integrating a CRM. 2. Choose the Right API: Research and select APIs that are well-documented, reliable, and secure. Popular choices include Google Maps API, Stripe for payments, and Twitter API for social media integration. 3. Implementation: Integrate the chosen API by following the provider’s documentation. Use best practices for error handling, data validation, and security. 4. Testing: Thoroughly test API integrations to ensure they work seamlessly across different devices and scenarios. **Real-World Example:** Imagine an e-commerce website that uses APIs to streamline operations: Payment Processing: Integrating Stripe or PayPal API for secure transactions. Shipping: Using FedEx or UPS API to provide real-time shipping rates and tracking information. Customer Support: Incorporating a live chat API like Zendesk to offer instant customer support. Incorporating APIs not only enhances your website's capabilities but also ensures it remains agile and competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Are you ready to unlock new potentials for your website? Embrace APIs and watch your digital presence soar! #WebDevelopment #APIs #DigitalTransformation #WebDesign #TechInnovation #Ecommerce #UserExperience

What is a Webhook? 🤔 If you’re working in tech or managing an eCommerce platform, you’ve likely come across the terms polling and webhook. But what’s the difference? The image below compares how polling and webhooks work in a typical eCommerce payment process: 📦 A customer places an order ➡️ the API gateway passes it to the payment service, which then communicates with an external Payment Service Provider (PSP), like Stripe. Here’s how we can handle communication with the PSP: 🔁 1. Polling The payment service keeps checking the PSP repeatedly: “Is the payment ready? How about now?” 📉 Drawbacks: • Wastes resources on constant requests. • Direct external communication increases security risks. 🔗 2. Webhook Instead of constantly asking, we register a webhook: “Ping me when the payment is processed!” Once the payment is completed, the PSP sends an HTTP request back to update the payment status. 🚀 Benefits: • Saves resources (no more polling!). • Enhances security by limiting direct communication. But what if the PSP doesn’t respond? You can set up a regular job to check statuses as a fallback. Key Considerations for Webhooks: 1. Design a robust API for external services to call back. 2. Implement strict security rules at the API gateway. 3. Ensure the callback URL is registered correctly with the external service. Webhooks, also known as reverse APIs, streamline processes, making them an efficient alternative to polling. 💡 Have you used webhooks in your projects? Let’s talk about how you’re leveraging this technology! #Webhooks #Polling #APIs #ReverseAPI #eCommerce #PaymentProcessing #SoftwareArchitecture #TechInnovation #Integration #DevOps #CloudComputing #Microservices #APIGateway #Security #Automation #Stripe #TechSolutions #IT

Check out Memberstack - a powerful tool for launching and scaling smarter without coding! 💡💸 Seamlessly integrate with Webflow, Stripe, and React, and offer multiple payment methods and single sign-on for a seamless user experience. Don't miss out, read more now👇 Join our newsletter for more business tools and tips: https://lnkd.in/gev_UBwT #Webflow #Stripe #React #LaunchFaster #ScaleSmarter #NoCodeTools #BusinessTools

Build this small project in a day! InvoiceFlow is designed to let users create invoices instantly without the hassle of using additional tools. It's a time-saver for business owners and agencies, reducing invoice generation time to just 1-2 minutes, saving 15-20 minutes per invoice. Tech Stack Used: - Frontend: Next.Js, Aceternity UI, Tailwindcss - Data Storage: Firebase - Generating Pdfs: jsPDF, jspdf-autotable Considering enhancing InvoiceFlow with unique templates for standout invoices based on feedback. Tag business owners in your network to share how InvoiceFlow can optimize their workflow and save time. Deployed Link: https://lnkd.in/dj6n3gq5

APIs are the backbone of modern software communication, powering everything from social media platforms to e-commerce websites. However, poorly designed APIs can lead to frustration and hinder development. In this post, I'll share some best practices for crafting robust and user-friendly APIs. 1. Adhere to RESTful design principles for consistency and predictability. Use resources (nouns) in URLs and appropriate HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) for actions. 2. Use clear and descriptive names for endpoints, parameters, and responses. Avoid ambiguity – everyone should understand what an endpoint does by its name. 3. Leverage HTTP status codes to communicate the outcome of API requests effectively. Use 200 for success, 404 for not found, etc. 4. Maintain a consistent format for API responses (e.g., JSON) for ease of parsing and integration with different applications. 5. Implement robust error handling that provides clear and actionable messages to developers using your API. Invest in comprehensive API documentation that explains functionalities, usage examples, and error handling mechanisms. 6. Implement a clear versioning system for your API to allow for future updates without breaking existing integrations. Whenever possible, strive for backward compatibility to avoid disrupting existing applications. 7. Prioritize security throughout the API design process. Implement authentication and authorization mechanisms to control access and protect sensitive data. 8. Consider implementing rate limiting or throttling mechanisms to prevent abuse and ensure smooth performance for all users. 9. Thoroughly test your API before deployment to identify and address any bugs or functionality issues. Monitor API performance after deployment to identify areas for improvement and ensure optimal user experience. By following these best practices, you can design APIs that are not only powerful but also a joy for developers to integrate with. This promotes wider adoption and streamlines development workflows. Do you have any questions or thoughts on API design best practices? Share them in the comments below! #API #apidesign #bestpractices #development #backend #softwaredevelopment #REST