I'm curious about the difference between SOAP and REST in terms of their definitions. Specifically, why is SOAP labeled as a protocol while REST is described as an architectural style? I always thought that protocols were about the transport medium, which made me question why SOAP fits into that category. Thanks for any insights!
1 Answer
SOAP is considered a protocol because it follows strict specifications to format messages, like needing them to be in XML with defined tags like ``. It provides a clear structure for requests and responses that you have to adhere to. In contrast, REST is more about leveraging the existing HTTP protocol and offers more flexibility in how you format your messages. You can use JSON, XML, or even plain text for REST responses, rather than being tied to one specific format.
That's true! REST is also an architectural style that defines how to interact with resources but leaves a lot open to interpretation, unlike SOAP's strict guidelines.