SOAP API vs. REST API what’s the difference?
The REST and SOAP API implementations are both powerful, but they each have their unique strengths.
REST APIs
REST APIs use HTTP for data transmission and support Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption to keep connections private. TLS is a standard that encrypts all communications between two systems, making it impossible for hackers to steal your personal information from an e-commerce website. You can tell if the site you’re shopping on uses this security feature by checking whether or not their URL begins with “HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure).”
REST APIs are a newer, faster way to transfer data over web browsers. REST stands for Representational State Transfer and is the most common type of API in use today because it doesn’t need any repackaging or formatting, which makes them much more convenient than SOAP APIs and less heavy load on servers – so they’re super-efficient.
SOAP APIs
The SOAP APIs are a standard that uses built-in protocols known as Web Services Security (WS Security). These protocols define rules for security and authentication. The two organizations that create these standards include the Organization of Advancement Structured Information Standards (OASIS) and the World Wide Web Consortiums'(W3C). They use XML encryption, signing, and SAML tokens to verify authentication from end-users to access an application’s API.
SOAP APIs are the best option for any organization handling sensitive data, as they provide more comprehensive security measures and require less management.
