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Introduction to SOAP

SOAP is a simple XML-based protocol that enables applications to exchange information over HTTP.

Or more simply: SOAP is a protocol for accessing network services.

You should have basic knowledge

Before you continue, you need to have a basic knowledge of the following understanding:

  • XML
  • XML Namespaces

If you want to study these subjects first, please visit our " the XML tutorial ."

What is SOAP?

  • SOAP means Simple Object Access Protocol
  • SOAP is a communication protocol
  • SOAP is used for communication between applications
  • SOAP is a format for sending messages
  • SOAP is designed to communicate across the Internet
  • SOAP is platform independent
  • SOAP is independent of the language
  • SOAP-based XML
  • SOAP is simple and extensible
  • SOAP allows you to bypass the firewall
  • SOAP will be developed as a W3C standard

Why use SOAP?

For application development, enable Internet communication between programs is very important.

The current application calls (RPC) by using remote procedure between DCOM and CORBA objects, etc., such as communication, but HTTP was not designed for this purpose. RPC can create compatibility and security issues; firewalls and proxy servers usually block such traffic.

Between applications over HTTP communication is a better way, because HTTP is supported by all Internet browsers and servers. SOAP was created to accomplish this task.

SOAP provides a standard way, so that run on different operating systems and applications using different technologies and programming languages ​​can communicate with each other.

Microsoft and SOAP

SOAP is a key element of Microsoft .net framework for future Internet application development.

SOAP 1.1 has been submitted to the W3C

In May 2000, UserLand, Ariba, Commerce One, Compaq, Developmentor, HP, IBM, IONA, Lotus, Microsoft and SAP to W3C submitted SOAP Internet protocol, which the company expects this agreement through the use of Internet standards (HTTP and XML ) the graphical user interface desktop applications to connect to powerful Internet servers, in order to revolutionize application development.

W3C is developing SOAP 1.2

The first public Working Draft on SOAP is published by the W3C in December 2001. To read more about the SOAP activities at W3C, please visit our " W3C tutorial ."