Final answer:
WSDL (Web Services Description Language) is an XML-based machine-readable description of HTTP-based web services and is typically used with REST services instead of SOAP.
Step-by-step explanation:
WSDL serves as a standardized language for describing the functionalities and operations of web services, facilitating communication between different systems. While originally associated with SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol), WSDL has found relevance in the context of REST (Representational State Transfer) services as well. In the REST architecture, services are often based on standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE), and WSDL can be employed to document and define these RESTful APIs.
In the context of REST, WSDL provides a clear and structured way to outline the available resources, their URIs, supported operations, and data formats. This machine-readable format aids developers in understanding and integrating with the web services seamlessly. By adopting WSDL for REST services, developers benefit from a standardized approach to service description, enhancing interoperability and ease of integration.
While traditionally associated with SOAP, WSDL's adaptability to describe REST services underscores its versatility, offering a consistent means of communication across diverse web service architectures.