API: automate instead of copy/paste
APIs help standardize workflows: e.g., issuing certificates, updating metadata, or retrieving status information. The goal is an integration that works in real operations—with clear IDs, traceable states, and actionable error responses.
Webhooks: event-driven (near) real-time
Webhooks are callbacks: when something happens (e.g., certificate finalized, status changed, verification triggered), your system can be notified automatically. This reduces polling. Webhooks work best when treated like an event stream: small, explicit, repeatable.
Events: small, explicit, auditable
Instead of sending huge payloads, it’s often better to keep events compact (event type, object ID, timestamp, optional revision/version). Details can then be fetched via API when needed. This reduces failure modes and improves stability.
Security: signatures and source verification
The golden rule: never blindly trust inbound webhook requests. Common patterns include signed headers (HMAC) so your system can verify the request truly originates from your Certifylize setup. Depending on context, IP restrictions, rate limits, and solid secret handling can add further protection.
Reliability: retries, idempotency, ordering
In practice, webhooks may be delivered more than once or arrive out of order. That’s why receivers should be idempotent: processing the same event twice must not cause damage. Also important: retry strategies, timeouts, and clear handling of transient failures (e.g., 5xx).
Versioning: make change predictable
Interfaces evolve. Versioning and compatibility matter: explicit API versions, stable event schemas, and advance notice for breaking changes reduce operational integration risk.
Key takeaways
- API = standardize workflows; webhooks = receive events automatically.
- Keep events small; fetch details via API when needed.
- Always verify webhooks (e.g., HMAC signatures); manage secrets properly.
- Build idempotent receivers: duplicates must be safe.
- Versioning makes change predictable and reduces outages.
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