What are the differences between REST and SOAP?

What are the differences between REST and SOAP?

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.

Which one is more widely used in modern applications?

REST is generally more popular in modern web applications due to its simplicity and flexibility, especially for mobile and web services.

Are there any specific use cases where SOAP is preferred?

Yes, SOAP is often preferred in enterprise-level applications where security, ACID compliance, and transactional reliability are critical.

Can you give me an example of a RESTful API?

Sure! A common example of a RESTful API is the GitHub API, which allows developers to interact with GitHub's features using standard HTTP methods.

What about performance? Is one faster than the other?

Generally, REST can be faster than SOAP because it uses lightweight formats like JSON, while SOAP relies on XML, which can be more verbose.