What is WSDL?

What is WSDL?

a. A WSDL is an XML document that describes a web service. It stands for Web Services Definition Language.

b. It specifies the location of the service and the methods of the service using major elements and data types.

c. WSDL is an XML based file that is written in XML language.

Example of WSDL –  

1. For example, the WSDL is just like a delivery address, the address provides the details of the person like house number, Street and City name. In the same way, the WSDL file is the ‘address’ and SOAP is a 'Delivery Boy' who has the address of the web services that can deliver all the functionality of clients.

2. Another example, the hotel menu is WSDL in this all menu and the price will be present and how you will talk or communicate your order with waiter or person it will work like a SOAP which will provide you the communication. So the hotel menu is WSDL and the waiter is SOAP.

2. Basically, the SOAP message is the data you transmit, WSDL tells you what you can do and how to make the calls.

3. SOAP is a structure you apply to your message/data for transfer. WSDL is used only to determine how to make calls to the service in the first place.

WSDL Structure:

Please find calculator sample WSDL code in below link:

http://www.dneonline.com/calculator.asmx

<definitions>
   <types>
         abc..
   </types>

   <message>
        abc..
   </message>

   <portType>
      <operation>
           abc..
      </operation>
   </portType>

   <binding>
        abc..
   </binding>

   <service>
        abc..
   </service>
</definitions>

Difference between SOAP and WSDL?

a. SOAP is a protocol that is used to transmit your data. 

b. WSDL is an XML document that describes how to connect and make requests to your web service.

Interview Question from this Page:

a. What is WSDL?

b. Difference between SOAP and WSDL?
c. Real-time examples WSDL?