How would you choose between SOAP and REST web services?

Technology CommunityCategory: API DesignHow would you choose between SOAP and REST web services?
VietMX Staff asked 3 years ago

Web Services work on client-server model and when it comes to choose between SOAP and REST, it all depends on project requirements. Let’s look at some of the conditions affecting our choice:

  • Do you know your web service clients beforehand? If Yes, then you can define a contract before implementation and SOAP seems better choice. But if you don’t then REST seems better choice because you can provide sample request/response and test cases easily for client applications to use later on.
  • How much time you have? For quick implementation REST is the best choice. You can create web service easily, test it through browser/curl and get ready for your clients. What kind of data format are supported? If only XML then you can go with SOAP but if you think about supporting JSON also in future then go with REST.