A web service is a piece of software that makes itself available over the Internet and standardizes its communication via XML encoding. Whenever a client invokes a web service by sending a request (usually in the form of an XML message), the service sends back an XML response. Moreover, web services in MuleSoft invoke communication over a network, with HTTP being the most common way of connectivity between the two systems. For many, it is synonymous with SOA. It primarily relies on standards such as XML-RPC and SOAP-based web services (Simple Object Access Protocol).
Using Mulesoft with Web Services
Mule ESB allows different integration examples using Mulesoft web services:
- Consuming existing web services in MuleSoft
- Making web services and exposing them to other applications
- Creating a proxy for existing Mulesoft web services
Consuming Mulesoft Web Services
If you invoke an existing web service, you usually create a web service client to make the call. If you have ever faced this, you will understand it requires some code generation.
With Mule ESB, you can simplify how web services can be consumed. Mule ESB provides out-of-the-box features when invoking the service and handling and processing the results, such as transformations and using the results in a complex flow.
Mule ESB allows different alternatives to consume types of web services in MuleSoft:
– By generating and using a client from a WSDL
– By using a client based on the interface of a JAX-WS service
– By using a client based on the interface of a “simple” frontend web service
– Use the JAX-WS Java Client API
Exposing Web Services
Mule ESB can also host Mulesoft web services. Beyond consuming web services in MuleSoft, you can build and expose them. The three different ways to do this are:
– Create a JAX-WS service
– Create a WSDL-first JAX-WS service
– By creating a simple front-end web service
Proxying Web Services
Using Mulesoft ESB as a Web service proxy is an advantage, you may want to utilize when:
- You want to add security to an existing third-party web service.
- You are required to add or remove HTTP headers.
- You need to validate or transform the input or output of the Mulesoft Web service.
- You may be required to transform the SOAP envelope.
- You may want to take a bonus of the CXF Web service standards to support to use of WS-Security, WS-Addressing, or to enforce WS-Policy assertions.
- Introduce custom error handling.
Basically, there are two types of proxying:
- Server-side Proxying
- Client-side Proxying
SOAP-based web services
SOAP web service examples involve using XML to transmit and interpret data over HTTP via the SOAP standard. In this SOAP-based interaction, a client requests to use one of the service’s exposed functions through a SOAP message contained in the body of an HTTP message. The service then returns a response to the client.
The SOAP standard includes various components like a processing model, extensibility standards, and a protocol binding framework. Many frameworks support SOAP, making it simple to integrate into different environments and applications.
REST-based web services
In contrast, REST-based web services use the Representational State Transfer (REST) model. Using REST, applications transmit the required information as web services, typically over HTTP, with XML or JSON structuring the messages. This differs from SOAP-based web services, which tie new application-specific methods to HTTP.
REST focuses on changes to the state of a resource, with requests made when transitioning the resource to a new state. SOAP, however, emphasizes individual messages exchanged between the client and the server.
SOAP V/S REST
When comparing SOAP and REST-based web services, SOAP-based web services are more widely adopted, partly due to the support of major technology companies. On the other hand, REST-based services offer a lightweight alternative but may lack the extensive libraries and resources that SOAP web services provide.
Why TCI for MuleSoft Web Services?
TCI has a team of experienced and certified MuleSoft and Salesforce developers. TCI focuses on resolving pain points for clients, allowing them to improve organizational productivity. TCI is specialized in managing diverse time zones and complex tasks. The organization offers a balanced work-life environment that enhances both professional and personal growth.
