What are the differences between REST and SOAP APIs?

What are the differences between REST and SOAP APIs?

REST (Representational State Transfer) is an architectural style that uses standard HTTP methods, while SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) is a protocol that relies on XML for message format and usually operates over HTTP or SMTP.

Can you explain the advantages of using REST over SOAP?

Sure! REST is generally easier to use and more flexible, allowing for different data formats like JSON, while SOAP is more rigid but offers built-in error handling and security features.

Are there specific use cases where one is preferred over the other?

Yes, REST is often preferred for web services and mobile applications due to its simplicity, while SOAP is used in enterprise-level applications requiring high security and ACID compliance.

What about performance? Is one faster than the other?

Typically, REST APIs are faster because they use lightweight data formats like JSON and have less overhead compared to SOAP, which can be more complex.

Can you give me an example of a REST API?

A common example of a REST API is the GitHub API, which allows developers to interact with GitHub's features using standard HTTP requests.