
Explain the differences between REST and SOAP APIs. Compare their message structure, use of HTTP, standards support, and the kinds of systems where each is a better fit.
Architectural style vs protocolJSON vs XML message formatsHTTP verbs and status codesWSDL, security, and reliability standardsTypical use cases and trade-offs| Dimension | What to Compare |
|---|---|
| Structure | Resource-based vs operation-based |
| Payload | JSON vs XML envelope |
| Standards | Flexible conventions vs strict protocol standards |
| Best fit | Client-facing APIs vs enterprise integrations |