SOAP
XML-based web services and WSDL contracts.
SOAP is taught here in 3 lessons, running from What SOAP is and how the envelope works through to Calling a SOAP service, and why REST usually wins. Each lesson takes one topic, shows the working code, and links onward to the next, so the course can be read straight through in order.
| Track | XML & Web Services |
| Lessons | 3 |
| Level | Beginner |
| Reading time | about 39 minutes |
| Prerequisites | Helpful, but not required: XSLT |
Lessons
- What SOAP is and how the envelope worksThe XML messaging protocol behind enterprise web services, and the three parts every SOAP message is built from.
- WSDL contracts and code generationReading a WSDL top to bottom: types, messages, port types, bindings and services, and how a client is generated from it.
- Calling a SOAP service, and why REST usually winsThe raw HTTP request a SOAP call produces, how faults are reported, and an honest comparison with REST today.
More in XML & Web Services
XML XPath XSLT RESTful APIs RSS & Atom
FAQ
How long does the SOAP course take?
It has 3 lessons, about 39 minutes of reading. Expect roughly twice that if you type out and run every example.
Do I need prior experience for SOAP?
Not strictly. It helps to have read XSLT first, because some lessons build on it, but every lesson explains its own assumptions.
What should I read after SOAP?
Continue with RESTful APIs (3 lessons), the next course in XML & Web Services.
Last refreshed 2026-09-18.