What differentiates SOAP from REST?

The correct choice highlights a fundamental characteristic that sets SOAP apart from REST. SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) has a formal contract known as a WSDL (Web Services Description Language) document. This contract defines the operations provided by the service, the messages involved, and how to communicate with the service. It provides a clear structure and expectations for developers utilizing the service, ensuring that all parties have a mutual understanding of how the service works.

In contrast, REST (Representational State Transfer) does not have such a formal contract. Instead, it relies on standard HTTP methods and URI patterns, allowing for a more flexible and less rigid approach. This flexibility enables developers to design APIs in a manner that does not adhere strictly to a pre-defined contract, which can simplify development but may lead to inconsistencies across different implementations.

The other choices don't accurately represent the key differences between SOAP and REST. SOAP does not utilize JSON as a standard; it primarily uses XML for message format. While SOAP can be considered more secure due to its support for WS-Security and built-in features for transaction management, it is not inherently faster than REST, as performance can vary based on the specific implementation and use case. Lastly, security cannot be generalized between the two, as both protocols