Polling Triggers
A Polling Trigger checks an app or external service at regular intervals for new or updated data. When viaSocket detects a matching change, it starts the Workflow.
Polling is used when an application does not provide an Instant Trigger for an event.
How Polling Triggers Work
When you use a Polling Trigger:
viaSocket checks the application's API at a defined interval.
The API returns available data or changes.
viaSocket identifies new or updated records.
If new data is detected, viaSocket starts your Workflow.
For example:
Notion → New database item → Workflow starts
viaSocket periodically checks Notion for new items. When a new item is detected, the Workflow runs.
Polling vs. Instant Triggers
The type of Trigger available depends on the capabilities of the application's API.
Trigger type | How it works |
Instant Trigger | The application sends an event to viaSocket when something happens. |
Polling Trigger | viaSocket periodically checks the application for new or updated data. |
Instant Triggers are suitable when an application can notify viaSocket immediately. Polling Triggers are used when the application requires periodic checking instead.
Examples
Check an RSS feed for new posts.
Check an e-commerce platform for inventory changes.
Check an application for newly created records.
Note: The available Trigger type and polling behavior depend on the application's API capabilities.
