REST API vs SOAP

Developers should learn REST API when building web services, mobile backends, or integrating systems, as it provides a standardized, language-agnostic way to expose data and functionality over the internet 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 API

Nice Pick

Developers should learn REST API when building web services, mobile backends, or integrating systems, as it provides a standardized, language-agnostic way to expose data and functionality over the internet

Pros

• It's essential for creating scalable and maintainable applications, especially in microservices architectures or when developing public APIs for third-party use, such as in e-commerce or social media platforms
• Related to: http-protocol, json

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

The Bottom Line

REST API wins

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