What is a webservice and what is it for?

The simple explanation:

A webservice is like a bridge that allows different applications to talk to each other.

Webservices work over the internet, facilitating the exchange of information between programmes.

For example, an application can use a webservice to check the weather, make an online purchase or connect to a database.

All this without the need for the applications to be located in the same place or to use the same programming language.

Webservices are very useful because they allow applications to be more flexible and to work together, even if they have been created in very different ways.

Now for the longer, more technical explanation

A webservice is a software component that allows different applications to communicate and exchange data over a network (such as the internet).

The main function of a webservice is to make data or functionalities accessible to other applications, regardless of the programming languages or platforms they use.

This is possible thanks to the use of standardised protocols that guarantee interoperability between heterogeneous systems.

What is a webservice?

A webservice is basically an interface that exposes methods that can be invoked by other applications remotely.

Unlike local libraries, which require the code to be included in the project, webservices can be consumed by any client with permission, from any location, as long as it has access to the network.

What is a webservice for?

Webservices have a wide variety of uses, including:

– Integration between systems: They facilitate communication between different applications, platforms and devices, such as ERP systems, CRM or mobile applications.

– Remote access to functionalities: They allow specific functionalities of an application (such as checking stock or processing payments) to be accessed remotely by other applications.

– Interoperability: Guarantees that systems built in different languages or platforms can interact efficiently.

REST, SOAP and API: Types and Standards

There are different types of webservices, the best-known being REST (Representational State Transfer) and SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol).

Both are popular approaches to creating webservices, but they differ in terms of structure and use cases.

At SmartLinks, we have developed several webservices for web applications (for example: integrating an ERP with a CRM) with both REST and SOAP architecture.

REST (Representational State Transfer)

REST is a widely used architectural standard for creating webservices, especially in web applications.

It is based on simple HTTP protocols and uses methods such as GET, POST, PUT and DELETE to carry out operations.

Some of its main concepts include:

– Resources: REST faces entities as resources that can be identified through URLs.

– Stateless: Each HTTP request must contain all the information necessary to be processed, without depending on the state maintained by the server.

– Data Format: Although JSON is the most common data format used in REST services, it can also support XML, HTML and others.

Advantages of REST:

– Flexibility and simplicity, being easy to implement and consume.

– Use of standard HTTP verbs, which facilitates integration with the web.

– Optimum performance for large-scale systems, such as social network APIs and mobile applications.

Example of a REST API: The Twitter API is a classic example of a RESTful webservice. Through calls to HTTP endpoints, it is possible to obtain data on tweets, profiles and interactions, for example.

SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol)

SOAP is an XML-based protocol for exchanging structured information in a distributed environment.

Unlike REST, SOAP is more rigorous and standardised, offering a higher level of security and reliability, especially in corporate environments.

Some of its features include:

– Rigid structure: SOAP messages follow a standardised format (Envelope, Header and Body) in XML.

– WS-Security: One of SOAP’s main strengths is its native support for security specifications such as authentication and encryption.

– Transport: Although HTTP is the most common protocol for transport, SOAP can be used with other protocols, such as SMTP.

Advantages of SOAP:

– Better support for complex transactions and advanced security.

– Suitable for business scenarios where reliability and data integrity are crucial.

– More robust support for WS-* (Web Services Standards), which includes additional specifications for security and transactions.

Example of a SOAP API: PayPal’s payment API is an example of a SOAP service, where security and reliability are essential due to the financial nature of the transactions.

API (Application Programming Interface)

An API (Application Programming Interface) doesn’t just refer to webservices, but to a set of definitions and protocols that allow different pieces of software to interact with each other.

In other words, an API defines how one application should communicate with another, whether in the context of a webservice (REST or SOAP) or in local environments.

In the context of the web, APIs generally refer to RESTful webservices, but they can also be SOAP-based APIs.

APIs facilitate integration between different systems and are the basis for many modern applications, including cloud services, social networks and e-commerce platforms.

Some of their main features include:

– Integration Standard: APIs allow different applications to share data and functionalities in an efficient and standardised way.

– Universal Use: Any application can integrate with public APIs (for example, weather, social network or map APIs).

– Automation: APIs are widely used for process automation, integrating systems without the need for human intervention.

How SmartLinks look at webservices

At SmartLinks, we believe that integration between systems is the key to a more agile and efficient operation.

It’s practically impossible for a single system to match 100% all the requirements of a business and webservice integrations help to bridge this gap by allowing different applications to ‘talk’ to each other in a simple and secure way.

With technologies such as REST and SOAP, we help your company integrate platforms and automate processes, all in a personalised way adapted to your needs.

Our aim is to make your life easier by creating solutions that help your business grow and adapt to the digital future.

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Autor

Rui Martins

Rui Martins is a skilled professional with over 20 years of experience aligning Sales and Marketing, specialising in Digital Strategy and Distribution for B2B and B2C sectors, particularly in Hospitality and Tourism.
At the Pestana Group, Rui’s experience included managing global online accounts and online distribution for the Group's European and American hotels. As Partner & Co-Founder of SmartLinks.pt, he has established the agency as a digital leader in Portugal. Naturally curious, he stays up-to-date with the latest trends and tools on the market. This enables him to analyse any business within minutes and quickly suggest the most suitable marketing strategy.
Connect with Rui Martins on LinkedIn.
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