What are the differences between REST and SOAP APIs?

What are the main 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 and requires XML. REST also has better performance due to its stateless nature.

Are there any specific use cases where SOAP is preferred over REST?

Yes, SOAP is often preferred in enterprise-level applications where security and ACID-compliance are critical, such as in financial services or payment gateways.

What about error handling in REST and SOAP?

SOAP has built-in error handling through its fault structure, while REST relies on standard HTTP status codes to indicate errors.