WebServices: Internet-accessible services that standardize communication—traditionally via XML. A client sends a request (often XML), and the service returns an XML response.
A web API is an application programming interface (API) for either a web server or a web browser. As a web development concept, it can be related to a web application's client side (including any web frameworks being used).
Webservice is a collection of open source protocols and standards used for exchanging data between systems or applications, whereas API is a software interface that allows two applications to interact with each other without any user involvement.
Discover the key differences between API and WebServices. Learn their advantages, disadvantages, and real-world examples to understand which one suits your needs best.
What’s the main difference between API and webservice? APIs are broader—most can function within one device or over a network, supporting any protocol and data type; webservices are strictly network-bound and usually standardized with protocols like SOAP, REST, or XML-RPC.
While web services focus on standardized interactions over the internet, APIs encompass a broader range of operations, allowing developers to integrate with various services and retrieve data.
Web service is a collection of open source protocols and standards used for exchanging data between systems or applications, whereas API is a software interface that allows two applications to interact with each other without any user involvement.