28 November 2022

SOAP Vs WSDL | Difference | Comparison

SOAP (Simple Object Access System) is an XML-based communications protocol used to exchange data between computers. WSDL(Web Services Description Language) is an XML-based language that is used to describe the functionality of a web service. So let's debate SOAP Vs WSDL to understand more about it.

What is SOAP?

SOAP stands for a short form of simple object access protocol. It uses XML messaging syntax to exchange information among computers via the Internet. SOAP can extend HTTP for XML messaging. SOAP can extend HTTP for XML messaging. It provides data transport for web services. It can exchange complete documents or call remote procedures. It can be used to broadcast a message.SOAP is platform and language-independent.

What is WSDL?

WSDL stands for Web service Description language. WSDL was created collaboratively by IBM and Microsoft and was recognized by the W3C on June 26, 2007. It is an XML-based interface specification language used to describe web service functionality. Its architecture consists of three major components: types, binding, and operations. In general, a typical WSDL specifies the process of implementing and communicating with XML-based services. 

SOAP Vs WSDL | Difference between SOAP and WSDL:

  • SOAP is XML based messaging protocol. WSDL is an XML-based interface definition language.
  • SOAP is consist of four layers in its architecture: header body, envelope, and fault. While WSDL consists of three main elements in its architecture: types, binding, and operations.
  • SOAP provides full support to most protocols like HTTP, SMTP, etc. While WSDL does not support most protocols like SOAP.
  • SOAP is slower sometimes in performance in comparison to WSDL. WSDL is faster in performance in comparison to SOAP.
  • SOAP is far in extensible than WSDL. While WSDL is less extensible than SOAP.
  • SOAP is simple than WSDL due to the easy level of coding. While WSDL is more complex as it has an advanced level of coding.
  • SOAP provides high security as it has different layers of security. While WSDL is secured as compared to SOAP.
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