SOAP (protocol) facts for kids

This article is about the computing protocol. For the substance used for cleaning, see soap

SOAP, which stands for Simple Object Access Protocol, is like a special set of rules for computers to talk to each other. It's a protocol used in computing. Think of it as a common language that different computer programs use to send messages back and forth.

Many Web services use SOAP to communicate. These services are like online tools or applications that need to share information. SOAP helps them send structured messages. It uses something called XML to write these messages. XML is a way to organize data using tags, similar to how you might label boxes to know what's inside.

SOAP often works with other internet rules, like HTTP (which your web browser uses) and TCP. The most common way SOAP is used is with HTTP and TCP together. There have been different versions of SOAP, like 1.0, 1.1, and 1.2. After version 1.2, it's just called SOAP. This is because it's not always "simple" to use, and it can do more than just "access objects."

What is SOAP?

SOAP is a lightweight protocol. This means it's designed to be efficient and not use too many computer resources. Its main job is to exchange structured information. Imagine you have different computer systems, maybe one that handles online orders and another that manages customer details. SOAP helps these systems talk to each other, even if they are in different places or use different programming languages.

It's like a special envelope for messages. This envelope is made using XML. This allows SOAP messages to be sent over many different types of internet connections. The way SOAP works is flexible. It doesn't care what kind of computer program sends the message or how that program was built.

How SOAP Messages Work

The main part of SOAP is how it creates and sends messages. The SOAP messaging system defines special XML parts to "package" any XML message. This package can then be sent between different computer systems.

These main XML parts are:

• Envelope: This is like the outer wrapper of the message. It tells the computer that this is a SOAP message.
• Header: This part is optional. It can carry extra information about the message, like security details or how the message should be processed.
• Body: This is where the actual message or data goes. It contains the information that the computers want to share.
• Fault: If something goes wrong when sending or receiving a SOAP message, the Fault part is used to send an error message.

Tools like SOAP UI are used by computer experts. They help test if SOAP messages are being sent and received correctly. This is important for making sure computer programs work as they should.

SOAP Versions Over Time

SOAP has evolved through different versions. Each version brought updates and improvements to how computers communicate using this protocol.

The "Namespace Name" is like a unique address for the rules used in that specific version of SOAP. It helps computers know which set of rules to follow when reading a SOAP message. The "Where to Find More Info" links point to the official documents that explain each version in detail.

See also

In Spanish: Simple Object Access Protocol para niños