IFTTT for Web

What it does: linking apps and web services

IFTTT (short for "If This Then That") is a service that lets you build simple automations between mobile apps, web services, and connected devices. Using conditional logic—when one event happens, trigger an action elsewhere—you can have different tools work together without writing code.

Typical examples of automations

• Save your Fitbit workout data directly into a Google Drive spreadsheet.
• Have smart lights switch on automatically when your phone is detected near your home.
• Push sports scores or other brief alerts to wearable devices like Google Glass.

Popular services you can connect

• Etsy
• Instagram
• Facebook
• PushIt
• many other online services and IoT platforms

How automations are built

IFTTT calls each automation a "recipe" (or "applet" in newer terminology). You create a recipe by choosing a trigger (the "if this" part) and a corresponding action (the "then that" part). The interface is visual and user-friendly, guiding you through available triggers and responses so you can assemble workflows quickly.

Finding and organizing recipes

Many recipes are shared by the community, which makes discovering useful automations easy. You can browse them by curated groupings such as:

• Featured collections
• All-time popular recipes
• Trending picks

There are also themed collections—examples include music-related automations, smart-home bundles, and productivity-focused sets.

Strengths and limitations

Linking apps via conditional rules is not a brand-new idea, but IFTTT stands out for its approachable design and social sharing features. Some available recipes are quite niche (for instance, receiving niche celebrity updates), yet the platform’s growing support for Internet of Things devices positions it well for broader adoption. Its ease of use makes it appealing for early adopters of new tech.

Bottom line

IFTTT is a practical tool for automating routine tasks and connecting otherwise separate services and devices. As more household gadgets and services become internet-connected, utilities like IFTTT are likely to become more central to managing those ecosystems.