I want clear explanation on REST and SOAP

pujithag · ‎07-21-2025

Shraddha Kadam · ‎07-21-2025

Feature	REST	SOAP
Architectural Style / Protocol	Architectural Style	Protocol
Message Format	Primarily JSON, also XML, text	Exclusively XML
Complexity	Simpler, lightweight	More complex, heavier
Speed	Generally faster	Generally slower (due to XML overhead)
WSDL	No fixed contract (relies on URI)	Requires WSDL for service description
HTTP Methods	Uses standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, etc.)	Uses HTTP but often as a transport for XML messages
Security	Relies on HTTPS, OAuth, API keys	Built-in security standards (WS-Security)
Use Cases	Modern web/mobile apps, public APIs, fast integrations	Legacy systems, enterprise apps with high security/transaction needs

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Thank you.

Ankur Bawiskar · ‎07-21-2025

@pujithag

this is a very generic question and answer to this can be found on google or any AI tool

check these links

What's the Difference Between SOAP and REST?

Difference between REST API and SOAP API

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Regards,
Ankur
✨ Certified Technical Architect || ✨ 9x ServiceNow MVP || ✨ ServiceNow Community Leader

Dr Atul G- LNG · ‎07-21-2025

Hi @pujithag

https://aws.amazon.com/compare/the-difference-between-soap-rest/

https://www.servicenow.com/community/developer-forum/difference-between-rest-soap-based-web-services...

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Harish Bainsla · ‎07-21-2025

Hi @pujithag check below link

https://www.servicenow.com/community/developer-forum/difference-between-soap-and-rest-web-services-a...

https://www.servicenow.com/community/developer-forum/difference-between-rest-soap-based-web-services...

if my answer helps you mark helpful and accept solution

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2xyjJHZqBI&list=PLgGgIYwZFdFlqD3SMJzJdgIGku6bY_385&pp=0gcJCV8EOCosW...