What is the difference between SOAP and REST?

SOAP and REST are two different approaches to organizing web services.

SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol):

• A protocol with a strictly defined message format (XML).
• Supports advanced standards for security, transactions, and reliability.
• Uses WSDL to describe the service.
• Usually operates over HTTP, but can use other protocols.
• More complex to implement and requires a strict structure.

REST (Representational State Transfer):

• An architectural style using standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE).
• Data formats can vary: JSON, XML, YAML, etc.
• Lightweight and easier to use.
• Does not require service description in the form of WSDL.
• Widely used for creating APIs in modern web applications.

In conclusion, SOAP is suitable for enterprise systems with high security and transaction requirements, while REST is better for simpler, scalable, and flexible APIs.