REST, SOAP and API protocols

Not all APIs are created alike. In this section, we explore the differences between various REST, SOAP and API protocols that are still emerging into the mainstream. Learn how various protocols work, if they will fit into your architecture and how to get around the intricacies of various types.

August 10, 2020 10 Aug'20
IBM's OpenAPI Comment Parser helps devs document APIs

IBM's OpenAPI Comment Parser gives developers a new tool to simplify the process of documenting APIs, so that developers down the line will be able to use them with less effort.

Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content

An overview of headless architecture design

Decoupling the back-end components of an application is certainly valuable, but what about the front end? This is where headless architecture comes into play. Continue Reading
16 REST API design best practices and guidelines

Common guidelines for API design lead to better functionality and flexibility. Follow these REST API design best practices to help you tend to your burgeoning API garden. Continue Reading
What are the types of APIs and their differences?

Enterprises increasingly rely on APIs to interact with customers and partners. It all starts by knowing which type of API is right for your needs. Continue Reading

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

REST web services and RESTful API quiz for developers

How well do you know RESTful APIs and their history? Test your knowledge of RESTful web services with this 10-question quiz on REST-based architectures. Continue Reading
Guide to building an enterprise API strategy

In today's digital world, businesses increasingly rely on APIs to deliver data and services. Follow this comprehensive guide to build a successful enterprise API strategy. Continue Reading
A head-to-head GraphQL vs. REST performance faceoff

Both GraphQL and REST aim to simplify API development processes, but which one is right for your project? Find out by examining this API design style faceoff. Continue Reading

Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

Make legacy IoT data protocols part of an IoT strategy

IT pros implement IoT devices to create and connect data; however, the lack of one IoT standard protocol counters the ability of IoT devices to work together. Continue Reading
Making the decision: Is SOA or REST best for big data applications?

When designing big data applications, an important consideration is whether to use SOA or RESTful APIs to connect big data components and services to the rest of the application. Continue Reading
REST vs. SOAP: A retail use case comparison

In the REST vs. SOAP use case debate, the decision is affected by performance and reliability considerations. Continue Reading

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SOA and RESTful interfaces: When, why they should be combined

The debate between SOA and RESTful interfaces has raged for a while, but many application architects say they are confused as to which one is better. Continue Reading
REST or SOAP: Which offers the most benefits for mobile applications

When choosing between REST or SOAP for mobile apps, it's important to remember there are two major models: native and wrapped mobile web applications. Continue Reading