In the world of information technology, the role of Application Programming Interface (API) is increasingly important in allowing various applications to communicate with each other. REST API and SOAP API are two approaches that you can use in developing applications or websites for your company. Although both have the same purpose, they have fundamental differences in how they operate and interact with data. For further explanation, let’s see the article below.

What is an API?

An API is software that can connect one application directly to data and other application services through access granted to certain parts of the server. In how it works, APIs allow two software to communicate with each other and both are the basis for several modern applications. To make it easier for you to understand, if you compare it to a restaurant, the server is the chef, the buyer is the web visitor, and the waiter is the API.

What is a REST API?

REST (Representational State Transfer) is an API that becomes a “service” in an application or web. REST is a set of architectural constraints and not a protocol or standard. Basically, REST API uses URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) ​​and HTTP protocol and JSON (Javascript Object Notation) in formatting data that will be very compatible with browsers. With REST API, data and functions from one application can be used by other applications, allowing good integration between them.

What is SOAP?

SOAP API (Simple Object Access Protocol) allows applications to communicate and send messages between different programming languages. SOAP is known as a more complex form of protocol in data communication and security. In communicating data, this protocol has a primary focus on preventing unauthorized access through web services security. For companies looking for more sophisticated security features, they can choose SOAP for their web services.

Differences between REST and SOAP

Although both are APIs, they have differences. The difference is that REST API is an architectural style, while SOAP API is a protocol. So, REST API can actually utilize the SOAP protocol, just like using HTTP. To make it easier for you to understand, here is a table of the differences between REST API and SOAP API quoted from geeksforgeeks.

REST API

Relying on REST architecture using HTTP.

It is based on URls and generally transports data in JSON. Since REST follows a stateless model, it does not enforce message formats like XML or JSON.

Works with GET, POST, PUT, DELETE.

Can work over HTTP and HTTPS.

Less structured, due to smaller data.

SOAP API

Relying on SOAP.

Move data in standard XML format.

Works with WSDL, as it is XML based and relies on SOAP.

Can work over HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, XMPP.

Very structured.

Always Monitor API in Your Company

After knowing the differences between REST API and SOAP API, you can determine the choice for your company based on the needs and provisions of the applications and web services in your company. However, to ensure that the API runs perfectly and optimally, API monitoring is needed. Why? Because monitoring the API is like ensuring that your service is operating properly, data moves smoothly, and users get a smooth experience.

The best Web/API monitoring solution can be obtained by using Netmonk Prime. In one Netmonk Prime application, you can take advantage of network monitoring solutions, Web/API monitoring, and server monitoring. Its superior features are real-time monitoring, real-time notifications via Telegram & E-mail, and periodic reporting that can be downloaded in PDF format. For more information, you can visit our website.

Reference:

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/difference-between-rest-api-and-soap-api/