REST vs SOAP

Developers should learn REST when building web APIs or microservices, as it provides a standardized, scalable approach for client-server communication over HTTP meets developers should learn soap when working with enterprise-level systems, legacy applications, or scenarios requiring strict security, reliability, and transactional support, such as in financial services or healthcare. Here's our take.

REST

Nice Pick

Developers should learn REST when building web APIs or microservices, as it provides a standardized, scalable approach for client-server communication over HTTP

Pros

• It is widely used in modern web development, mobile app backends, and cloud services due to its simplicity, statelessness, and compatibility with existing web infrastructure
• Related to: http, api-design

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

SOAP

Developers should learn SOAP when working with enterprise-level systems, legacy applications, or scenarios requiring strict security, reliability, and transactional support, such as in financial services or healthcare

Pros

• It is particularly useful for integrating heterogeneous systems where standardized, platform-independent communication is critical, and when using WS-* standards for features like encryption and message routing
• Related to: xml, wsdl

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. REST is a concept while SOAP is a protocol. We picked REST based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

REST wins

Based on overall popularity. REST is more widely used, but SOAP excels in its own space.