The main difference between SOAP and REST web services is that SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) is an XML-based protocol while REST (Representational State Transfer) is an architectural style. What’s the difference btw SOAP and REST web services?
A web service is a collection of standards or protocols for exchanging information between multiple devices or applications. Different applications use various technologies and programming languages. A web service provides the common platform for these applications to communicate with each other. For example, a Java application can communicate with PHP or .NET applications using web services over the network. A web service simply provides a language-independent platform to ensure communication between various technologies. SOAP and REST are two types of web services.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is soap
– Definition, Characteristics, Use
2. What is REST?
– Definition, Characteristics, Use
3. What is the relationship between SOAP and REST web services?
– Association scheme
4. Difference between SOAP and REST web services
– Comparison of key differences
what is soap What’s the difference btw SOAP and REST web services?
SOAP stands for Simple Object Access Protocol . It is an XML based protocol. It allows applications based on various programming languages and different operating systems to communicate with each other.
SOAP provides several advantages. It is platform and language independent. Therefore, SOAP web services can be written in any programming language and run on any platform. It works well in business environments. It has pre-built extensibilities according to WS standards. Additionally, it provides built-in error handling and automation or certain language products.
When developing a SOAP-based application, it is important to follow the standards. They are generally slow; It requires more resources and more bandwidth. In general, it is more suitable for enterprise-grade applications where security is a major concern.
What is REST Web Services?
REST stands for Representational State Transfer . It is not a protocol. It is an architectural pattern. A web service that confirms the Rest architectural style is a RESTful web service. REST is easier and more flexible. These services do not follow strict specifications like SOAP. It requires minimal bandwidth and resources. Also, it is language and platform independent.
REST is a good option for a public API. Almost 70% of public APIs are based on REST. Generally preferable to SOAP. In short, it helps build lightweight, scalable, and maintainable web services.
Relationship between SOAP and REST web services
- REST web services can use SOAP web services for implementation.
Difference between SOAP and REST web services
Definition What’s the difference btw SOAP and REST web services?
SOAP is an XML-based protocol that provides standards for the exchange of information between multiple devices or applications. REST is an architectural style that defines a set of constraints and properties for developing web services.
It represents
SOAP stands for Simple Object Access Protocol. REST stands for Representational State Transfer.
Type What’s the difference btw SOAP and REST web services?
SOAP is an XML-based messaging protocol while REST is an architectural style.
data format
SOAP allows XML formatting. REST allows various data formats like plain text, XML, HTML, JSON, etc.
Rules
SOAP defines standards to be strictly followed. In contrast, REST does not define strict standards like SOAP.
Security
SOAP is more secure compared to REST. SOAP has its own security called WS security.
Resources and bandwidth
SOAP requires more bandwidth and more resources. REST requires less bandwidth and minimal resources.
Flexibility
REST is easier and more flexible than SOAP.
Applicability
SOAP is more suitable for enterprise level applications, while REST is a good choice for public API.
conclusion
The difference between Soap and Rest web services is that Soap is an XML-based protocol while Rest is an architectural style. The programmer can select Soap or Sleep depending on the programming language, environment, and application requirements. If the developer selects Soap or Rest for the web service, it is important to test the API thoroughly.