HTTP Hook

ELI5 — The Vibe Check

An HTTP hook is an event-driven callback from an AI tool — it POSTs to your URL when something happens, no polling required. Instead of constantly asking "are you done yet?", you give it an address and it'll come to you when it's finished. Like ordering food and getting a text instead of standing at the kitchen window staring at the cook.

Real Talk

HTTP hooks (webhooks adapted for AI tool events) allow AI platforms and MCP servers to notify your backend when an async operation completes — a long-running agent finishes, a model evaluation completes, a tool call returns. Your server registers a URL endpoint, receives a POST with the result payload, and processes it. They're essential for AI workflows that exceed real-time response windows or run in the background.

When You'll Hear This

"The agent run fires an HTTP hook when it's done — our backend picks it up from there." / "Don't poll the API every second. Set up an HTTP hook and wait."