Webhooks and HTTP Data Flow
Workflows can't manipulate anything until data actually exists inside the run, and this data enters the workflow in two main ways: either the workflow calls out to another service through an HTTP Request, or another service calls in via a Webhook.
The workflow calls an external API to fetch data (pull model).
External system sends data into n8n (push model).
Once either of these is in place, all the data manipulation nodes have something to work on.
HTTP Request
HTTP Request node is a node that sends a request to an API URL and brings the response (usually JSON) into the workflow.
- Calls an endpoint like
https://api.rainforestapi.com/request; - Sends parameters such as
type,domain,seller_id, andsearch_term; - Receives structured data that can be passed to later nodes.
Use it when an API has good documentation, when a workflow needs to poll data on a schedule, or when one API’s output should become another API’s input in a chained call. The structure follows the lesson example, where the base URL is api.rainforestapi.com/request, the API key identifies the caller, and the parameters tell the API what to return.
Parameters:
type=seller_products;domain=amazon.com;- (and others as needed).
Beginners often think this part is magic, but it's not. Parameters come directly from the API documentation. You simply open the docs, find the relevant section, note the required and optional parameters with their descriptions, copy the parameter names into the HTTP Request node, set the values, and run the node. That's the standard process for any API: read the docs, copy the params, paste them into the request, and test.
Webhook
Webhook is a URL exposed by n8n that allows other systems to send data directly into a workflow in real time.
- Acts as a custom entry point for incoming data;
- Ideal for instant runs instead of scheduled polling;
- Useful for custom tools or internal apps without official integrations.
Use it when a tool can’t be easily polled, when a workflow needs to react instantly, or when data comes from a custom source. Webhooks are the mirror of HTTP Requests — instead of n8n calling an external service, an external service calls into n8n.
Difference from HTTP Request:
- HTTP Request: n8n → external service;
- Webhook: external service → n8n Webhook is better for real-time workflows, while HTTP Request is better for predictable polling.
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What are the main differences between using a webhook and an HTTP request in n8n?
Can you explain how to set up an HTTP Request node step by step?
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Workflows can't manipulate anything until data actually exists inside the run, and this data enters the workflow in two main ways: either the workflow calls out to another service through an HTTP Request, or another service calls in via a Webhook.
The workflow calls an external API to fetch data (pull model).
External system sends data into n8n (push model).
Once either of these is in place, all the data manipulation nodes have something to work on.
HTTP Request
HTTP Request node is a node that sends a request to an API URL and brings the response (usually JSON) into the workflow.
- Calls an endpoint like
https://api.rainforestapi.com/request; - Sends parameters such as
type,domain,seller_id, andsearch_term; - Receives structured data that can be passed to later nodes.
Use it when an API has good documentation, when a workflow needs to poll data on a schedule, or when one API’s output should become another API’s input in a chained call. The structure follows the lesson example, where the base URL is api.rainforestapi.com/request, the API key identifies the caller, and the parameters tell the API what to return.
Parameters:
type=seller_products;domain=amazon.com;- (and others as needed).
Beginners often think this part is magic, but it's not. Parameters come directly from the API documentation. You simply open the docs, find the relevant section, note the required and optional parameters with their descriptions, copy the parameter names into the HTTP Request node, set the values, and run the node. That's the standard process for any API: read the docs, copy the params, paste them into the request, and test.
Webhook
Webhook is a URL exposed by n8n that allows other systems to send data directly into a workflow in real time.
- Acts as a custom entry point for incoming data;
- Ideal for instant runs instead of scheduled polling;
- Useful for custom tools or internal apps without official integrations.
Use it when a tool can’t be easily polled, when a workflow needs to react instantly, or when data comes from a custom source. Webhooks are the mirror of HTTP Requests — instead of n8n calling an external service, an external service calls into n8n.
Difference from HTTP Request:
- HTTP Request: n8n → external service;
- Webhook: external service → n8n Webhook is better for real-time workflows, while HTTP Request is better for predictable polling.
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