APIs, Webhooks and SDKs Explained
You will hear three terms over and over when integration work is discussed: API, webhook and SDK. They sound technical but the ideas behind them are simple, and knowing them makes our proposals much easier to follow.
This article gives you a plain-English picture of each one and how they fit together when we connect your systems.
The Three Building Blocks
Each plays a different role in moving information between two systems.
- API: a doorway one system opens so others can ask it for data or send it instructions.
- Webhook: a message a system pushes to you the instant something happens, so you do not have to keep asking.
- SDK: a ready-made toolkit that makes writing code against an API faster and less error-prone.
How They Work Together
In a real project these three rarely appear alone; they complement each other.
- We use the API to read and write your records on demand.
- We register a webhook so the system tells us about changes immediately.
- We lean on an SDK where one exists to speed delivery and reduce bugs.
| Term | Direction | When it is used |
|---|---|---|
| API | You ask, it answers | Fetching or sending on demand |
| Webhook | It tells you | Reacting to events in real time |
| SDK | Helper code | Building the integration faster |
If you need a hand with any of this, your Progressive Robot delivery team is ready to help. Raise a ticket from the Support area of your client portal or speak to your account manager and we will guide you through the next steps.