WSDL
WSDL (Web Services Description Language) is an XML-based language used to describe the functionality offered by a web service, including the operations it supports, the data types involved, and the network protocols for accessing it. It serves as a contract between service providers and consumers, enabling automated generation of client code and documentation. WSDL is a key component in SOAP-based web services, defining endpoints and message formats for interoperability.
Developers should learn WSDL when working with SOAP-based web services to ensure proper integration and communication between distributed systems, such as in enterprise applications, financial services, or legacy systems. It is essential for creating, consuming, or documenting web services in environments that require strict contracts and standardized protocols, as it facilitates tooling support for code generation and validation.