Web APIs and Web Services

Web APIs and web services are often interchangeable. So let’s distinguish between the two.

Web APIs are an evolution of web services.

Both facilitate information transfer, however web APIs are more dynamic than web services.

What is an API?

An API specifies how software components should interact with each other. It is a set of protocols and routines, with responses generally returned as JSON or XML data. APIs can use any type of communication protocol and are not limited in the same way a web service is.

What is a web service?

A web service is any piece of software that makes itself available over the internet and uses a standardized XML messaging system. XML is used to encode all communications to a web service.

How are they different and related?

By definition, a web service is any piece of software that makes itself available over the Internet and standardizes its communication via XML encoding. In contrast, a typical Web API specifies how software components should interact with each other using the web’s protocol (HTTP) as the go-between.

Now let’s discuss their similarity. APIs and web services have things in common; both web APIs and web services serve as a means of communication between consumers and providers. They also both support XML-based data payloads, while JSON is the more common payload type for web APIs. Last but not least, both Web APIs and web services are essentially a means to an end and the same problems can be solved by both. And they can be configured to operate over a network or within a machine.

Contact us by emailing hello@inceptasolutions.com or calling +1 (855) 818-0018 to learn how Incepta Solutions can accelerate your integration journey. 

About Incepta Solutions

At Incepta Solutions, our team of #InceptaInnovators is passionate about developing the bridge between people and operations, as we create stories that we can all be proud of.

Since our inception in 2010, we are recognized as trusted experts in providing digital services to global businesses. We are proud to be named one of the top 5 Information Technology companies in Canada on the Growth List 2020 (published by Canadian Business and MacLeans). In addition, we are humbled to be a certified Great Place to Work – Canada.

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At Incepta Solutions, we provide business solutions that solve challenges and enable future growth and success for our clients. We leverage industry-leading technologies to provide innovative solutions that are robust, of premier quality, and cost-effective.

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In our growth journey, our goal is to become a global leader in digital transformation and enterprise solutions. We enable businesses all over the world to solve complex and critical integration challenges. As #InceptaInnovators, we hope to look back at these times on how we have helped global brands and enterprises achieve success. Our driving force is that one day, we are able to reflect on our shared journey and be proud of the stories we have created together.