What are the main differences between RESTful and SOAP web services?

During my final year project, I worked on a web application that needed to integrate with various external APIs for data retrieval. I chose to use RESTful services because they were easier to work with and required less overhead than SOAP. In my research, I found that REST provides a more lightweight approach, which was essential for the mobile app I was developing. I created endpoints that utilized standard HTTP methods, which simplified the interaction with the APIs, allowing for faster development and clearer code. This experience not only taught me the technical differences but also how selecting the right web service architecture can impact project success.

While volunteering for a local non-profit, I helped develop a community portal that needed to access various data sources, including databases and external services. I suggested using RESTful APIs for our project because they allowed us to quickly connect and retrieve information without the complexity of SOAP. The project required frequent updates and changes, and REST's flexibility made it easier to adapt as we gathered user feedback. This hands-on experience reinforced my understanding of how RESTful services can be advantageous in fast-paced environments, especially when working with limited technical resources.

In my first job as a junior developer, I was tasked with integrating a legacy system with a new application. The legacy system used SOAP for its web services, which required me to learn how to work with WSDL files and understand the complexities of SOAP's protocol. Although I initially found it challenging, I appreciated SOAP's built-in features like security and transaction compliance. This experience taught me that while REST is great for new applications, SOAP still has its place, particularly in environments where security and reliability are paramount.