What is a key feature of REST web services?

A key feature of REST web services is their ability to provide documentation and compact JSON responses. REST (Representational State Transfer) utilizes standard HTTP methods, such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE, to interact with resources. One of its primary advantages is the lightweight nature of JSON, which allows for efficient data exchange. JSON's compact format contributes to faster transmission, making it especially suitable for web applications that require high performance.

Furthermore, RESTful services often include comprehensive documentation that outlines how to interact with the API, detailing the available endpoints, response formats, and error messages. This clarity and ease of use enhance the developer experience, allowing for quick integration and implementation.

In contrast, while XML is used in some scenarios with REST, it is not a requirement and is not used exclusively. REST does not impose a formal API contract in the same way SOAP does; instead, it relies on conventions. Lastly, REST does not rely on SOAP methods, as SOAP is a distinct protocol that comes with its own set of rules and requirements. This distinction highlights the flexibility and simplicity of REST compared to other web service protocols.