Difference Between REST API & SOAP API
API (Application Programming Interface) APIs are interfaces that allow different software applications to communicate and interact with each other. Diverse Types: Includes various types like SOAP, RPC, and REST. Multiple Protocols: Can operate over a variety of protocols, not just HTTP. Varied Data Formats: Supports multiple data formats like XML, JSON, and others. Wide Application: Used in web services, operating systems, databases, and even hardware interfaces. REST API (Representational State Transfer API) Specific Type of API: A subset of APIs that specifically adhere to REST architectural principles. HTTP/HTTPS Based: Operates exclusively over HTTP/HTTPS protocols. REST Principles: Follows REST principles like statelessness, uniform interface, and client-server architecture. Common Data Format: Primarily uses JSON for data exchange, but can also support XML and plain text.Web Services Oriented: Mainly used for web services, especially for web-based applications and cloud solutions. SOAP API (Simple Object Access Protocol API) Uses XML as the message format and typically operates over protocols such as HTTP, SMTP, or more. Complex Standards: Enforces a set of rigid standards for message format and communication, including XML Schema for message structure and WS-Security for message-level security. Stateful Operations: Can support both stateful and stateless operations, allowing for more complex interactions between client and server. Standards-Driven: Adheres to specific standards like WS-*, including WS-Addressing, WS-ReliableMessaging, etc.