In this article, we will completely learn about REST API vs SOAP API.
We will cover the following Topics.
- What are APIs?
- How Do APIs Work?
- What is REST API?
- What is SOAP API?
- Key differences – REST API vs SOAP API.
- Which is better? REST API vs SOAP API.
What are APIs?
Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) are set of programming instructions and standards used for creating software and applications. These guidelines define how one system or application communicates with other systems or applications. Put simply, APIs are a set of tools for building software applications.
API stands for Application Programming Interface. APIs let different applications or systems interact with each other without having any direct user intervention. APIs are a set of routines, protocols, and tools for building software applications. They enable two applications to communicate with each other, exchange information, and provide data for developers to use within their programs. Most modern web applications have some sort of API, allowing customers or partners to access a certain amount of data in an automated fashion. By eliminating manual data transfer, APIs can greatly reduce errors, simplify maintenance, save money, and improve communication between stakeholders.
How do APIs work?
APIs provide a way for two programs or applications to communicate with each other. With APIs, an application can make requests to a remote application, such as requesting data from an external web application, or an application on another computer. You can use APIs to access data from different web services and websites, such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. A client, such as a web browser, can use an API to send a request to a web service, specifying the data that it needs, and then the web service can respond back with the data required by the client.
What are the Types of API?
The most common types of API are Representational State Transfer (REST) and Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP). Many years have passed and people still widely use both of these protocols which are popular web service API designs.
What is a SOAP API?
SOAP stands for Simple Object Access Protocol and is a standards-based web service protocol that relies on XML for making calls and encoding data. It is a completely secure way of passing data and information from a remote application or website to another application or website.
People have been using SOAP APIs for many years because they are extremely versatile. SOAP also ensures high security because it requires all data sent to be encrypted using HTTPS.
SOAP API Output Format
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<soap:Envelope xmlns:soap="http://schemas.xmlsoap.org/soap/envelope/">
<soap:Body>
<GetUserResponse xmlns="http://example.com/api">
<User>
<Id>123</Id>
<Name>John Doe</Name>
<Email>john.doe@example.com</Email>
<Address>
<Street>123 Main St</Street>
<City>Anytown</City>
<State>CA</State>
<Zip>12345</Zip>
</Address>
</User>
</GetUserResponse>
</soap:Body>
</soap:Envelope>
What is a REST API?
REST stands for Representational State Transfer and is an architectural style for designing web applications. The programming concept relies on HTTP verbs and URLs to send and retrieve data, and it is based on resource-oriented programming. It is a more flexible and efficient alternative to the SOAP protocol.
REST APIs are generally less secure than SOAP APIs, as they typically use URL-based authentication rather than HTTPS encryption.
REST API Output format
{
"id": 123,
"first_name": "John",
"last_name": "Doe",
"email": "johndoe@example.com",
"address": {
"street": "123 Main St",
"city": "Anytown",
"state": "CA",
"zip": "12345"
},
"phone_numbers": [
{
"type": "home",
"number": "555-555-1234"
},
{
"type": "work",
"number": "555-555-5678"
}
]
}
Key Differences – REST API vs SOAP API
REST API and SOAP API each have their own advantages, disadvantages, and use cases, so it’s important for developers to understand the differences between them.
Security
The first key difference REST API vs SOAP API is security. As mentioned above, all data sent using a SOAP API must be encrypted using HTTPS. This means any communication between two applications or websites is completely secure.
REST APIs, on the other hand, typically use URL-based authentication. Data is only secure for one request, which means that any data sent within the same session after the initial request could be intercepted.
Language
Another key difference between SOAP and REST APIs is the language used for communication. SOAP APIs use the XML language for communication, while REST APIs typically use the JSON language. XML is a complex language that requires more time to learn and understand than compared to other languages like JSON.
JSON is an easier language to understand and provides a more lightweight option for exchanging data between two applications or websites.
Portability
The third key difference between SOAP and REST APIs is portability. Soap APIs offer a more rigidly-defined set of protocols and tools which can make them more difficult to port to other environments and languages. REST APIs, on the other hand, are generally easier to port as they typically follow a more standard form of communication.
Scalability
Finally, the fourth key difference between SOAP and REST APIs is scalability. SOAP APIs have a strict set of rules and tools that make them less flexible and harder to scale. In contrast, REST APIs use simpler rules, making them easier to scale up or down as needed. REST APIs are designed to be more adaptable and versatile, using lightweight HTTP verbs and URLs, which makes it easier to manage and grow as your needs change
Which is Better: REST API vs SOAP API?
When it comes to choosing between SOAP and REST APIs, there is no definitive ‘better’ choice. Both types of APIs offer different advantages and disadvantages and each should be carefully evaluated to determine which is best suited to a particular application or website.
If security is your primary concern, then SOAP APIs are generally the better option. However, if portability, scalability, and ease of use are more important then REST APIs is likely the better option.
Ultimately, the best decision will depend on the needs of your application or website.
Conclusion
In conclusion, SOAP and REST APIs are two of the most commonly used types of APIs. Both offer powerful sets of tools for sending and receiving data over the web, however, there are several key differences between them which are important to consider when deciding which type of API to use.
SOAP APIs offer greater security, however, REST APIs are generally more portable and easier to scale up or down as needed. Ultimately, the best decision will depend on the needs of your application or website.
