SOAP and REST APIs
SOAP is like putting a letter in a special envelope. This envelope has clear instructions and rules for how to write the address and seal it. Inside the envelope, you place your message (usually written in XML). By using this structured and rule-bound envelope, your message can be sent safely and with assurance, just like sending a letter in a sealed and addressed physical envelope.
REST is like using a postcard because it's a lightweight and simple way to communicate, over the internet, with limited space, clear addressing, and predefined methods for interacting with resources. It's particularly well-suited for web and mobile applications that don't require the complexity of more formal protocols like SOAP.
SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol):
- Protocol with strict rules.
- Message format is typically XML.
- Strong security features.
- Supports stateful communication.
- Standardized error handling.
- Robust tooling in many programming languages.
Various message bindings.
REST (Representational State Transfer):
- Architectural style, not a protocol.
- Message format is flexible, often JSON or XML.
- Relies on transport-level security (e.g., HTTPS).
- Stateless communication enhances scalability.
- Simpler and lighter weight.
- Tooling is more straightforward, leveraging HTTP.
- Well-suited for web and mobile applications.
SOAP and REST APIs
SOAP is like putting a letter in a special envelope. This envelope has clear instructions and rules for how to write the address and seal it. Inside the envelope, you place your message (usually written in XML). By using this structured and rule-bound envelope, your message can be sent safely and with assurance, just like sending a letter in a sealed and addressed physical envelope.
REST is like using a postcard because it's a lightweight and simple way to communicate, over the internet, with limited space, clear addressing, and predefined methods for interacting with resources. It's particularly well-suited for web and mobile applications that don't require the complexity of more formal protocols like SOAP.
SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol):
- Protocol with strict rules.
- Message format is typically XML.
- Strong security features.
- Supports stateful communication.
- Standardized error handling.
- Robust tooling in many programming languages.
Various message bindings.
REST (Representational State Transfer):
- Architectural style, not a protocol.
- Message format is flexible, often JSON or XML.
- Relies on transport-level security (e.g., HTTPS).
- Stateless communication enhances scalability.
- Simpler and lighter weight.
- Tooling is more straightforward, leveraging HTTP.
- Well-suited for web and mobile applications.
