I want clear explanation on REST and SOAP

pujithag
Tera Contributor

‎07-21-2025 12:36 AM

 
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9 REPLIES 9

Viraj Hudlikar
Giga Sage

‎07-21-2025 01:44 AM

Hello @pujithag 

 

FeatureRESTSOAP
StyleLightweight, modern APIFormal, strict protocol
FormatUses JSON or XMLUses only XML
SpeedFaster, less overheadSlower, more verbose
FlexibilityEasy to build and useMore rules, harder to customize
Best forMobile apps, web servicesComplex enterprise systems
Use in ServiceNowScripted REST APIs (easier)SOAP Messages (for legacy setups)

 

  • Use REST when you want something simple and fast - perfect for most integrations in ServiceNow.
  • Use SOAP when you’re dealing with older systems or need strict security and structure.

If my response has helped you hit helpful button and if your concern is solved do mark my response as correct.

 

Thanks & Regards
Viraj Hudlikar.

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Aniket Chavan
Tera Sage
Tera Sage

‎07-21-2025 02:15 AM

Hello @pujithag ,

 

I see already some great inputs shared by all the experts, and just to add to what's been shared, here’s a more detailed breakdown that might help you connect the dots clearly.

 

REST (Representational State Transfer) is more of a design principle or architectural style rather than a strict protocol. It’s typically used when performance, scalability, and simplicity are key. REST works over standard HTTP and makes use of simple methods like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE. The structure is lightweight, stateless, and allows for responses in various formats like JSON, XML, plain text, etc., though JSON is the most common nowadays.

 

SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol), on the other hand, is a protocol that comes with its own defined rules and structure. It's XML-based, and every message has to follow a particular format, typically including an envelope and headers. SOAP is generally heavier in terms of size and complexity, but it shines in scenarios where strict security, formal contracts (WSDL), and ACID-compliant transactions are required.

 

Here are a few core differences between the two:

  • Design: REST focuses on accessing resources via URIs. SOAP works by exposing operations/functions.

  • Data Format: REST is flexible with formats (mostly JSON), while SOAP strictly uses XML.

  • Scalability: REST’s stateless nature makes it easier to scale. SOAP maintains state which can make scaling more resource-heavy.

  • Security: REST relies on HTTPS and OAuth for security. SOAP supports WS-Security, making it more suitable for scenarios with complex security requirements.

  • Speed and Performance: REST is generally faster due to its lightweight nature and support for caching. SOAP, due to its verbosity, tends to be slower.

  • Reliability: SOAP has built-in error handling and messaging standards. REST requires the developer to manage retries and error conditions explicitly.

In real-world use cases, REST is commonly used in modern platforms, especially mobile and web-based applications, whereas SOAP is still prevalent in legacy systems, financial services, and enterprise integrations where data integrity and reliability are critical.

 

Lastly, while REST is generally preferred today due to its simplicity and performance benefits, SOAP still has its place in environments where robust security, formal service contracts, or strict transaction handling is needed.

 

Hope this gives you a clearer picture.

 

🔹 Please mark ✅ Correct if this solves your query, and 👍 Helpful if you found the response valuable.

 

Best regards,
Aniket Chavan
🏆 ServiceNow MVP 2025 | 🌟 ServiceNow Rising Star 2024

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Aniket Chavan
Tera Sage
Tera Sage
In response to Aniket Chavan

‎07-30-2025 12:54 AM

Hello @pujithag  ,

 

Just wanted to check in to see if my earlier response helped you out or if you're still facing any issues. If your query is resolved, it would be great if you could mark my reply as helpful and accept it as the solution — that way it can also benefit others who come across the thread later.

 

Also, if you found any other responses helpful, feel free to mark those as helpful too. You can even accept multiple solutions if they contributed to resolving your issue.

 

Let me know if you need anything else!

 

Best regards,
Aniket Chavan
 ServiceNow MVP 2025 | ServiceNow Rising Star 2024

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Aniket Chavan
Tera Sage
Tera Sage
In response to Aniket Chavan

3 weeks ago

Hello @pujithag  ,

 

Just wanted to check in to see if my earlier response helped you out or if you're still facing any issues. If your query is resolved, it would be great if you could mark my reply as helpful and accept it as the solution — that way it can also benefit others who come across the thread later.

 

Also, if you found any other responses helpful, feel free to mark those as helpful too. You can even accept multiple solutions if they contributed to resolving your issue.

 

Let me know if you need anything else!

 

Best regards,
Aniket Chavan
ServiceNow MVP 2025 | ServiceNow Rising Star 2024

0 Helpfuls