9.11 SOAP VS. REST
Both SOAP and REST are relevant technologies that are being used and will continue to be used. How do we make a decision whether it is SOAP or REST (or both!) that will be well suited to an application? It all depends on what really is required, from a business and an architectural point of view. The following table summarizes the categories that are applicable to both the schools of thought.
| Category | SOAP | REST |
|---|---|---|
| Classification | Middleware interoperability standards | Architectural style for web services |
| Comprehensiveness | Generic (more comprehensive) | Specialized (less comprehensive) |
| Integration styles | RPC and Messaging—Heterogeneous | RPC—Heterogeneous |
| Contractual obligations | Contractual since it includes WS-Reliability, ... |
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