Veebisteenused

Veebisteenused, also known as web services, are a standardized way for computer systems to communicate with each other over the internet. They enable different applications, regardless of the programming language or platform they are built on, to exchange data and invoke functionalities. This interoperability is a core aspect of modern software development, facilitating the creation of distributed systems and the integration of various software components.

The fundamental concept behind web services is the use of open standards. Common protocols like HTTP are used for data transmission, while XML (Extensible Markup Mark-up Language) or JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) are employed for structuring the data being exchanged. Specific standards like SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) and REST (Representational State Transfer) define how messages are formatted and how services are accessed. SOAP is a protocol that specifies message structure, while REST is an architectural style that leverages existing web protocols and standards.

Web services offer several advantages. They promote loose coupling between systems, meaning changes in one service are less likely to break others. This flexibility is crucial for maintaining and evolving complex software ecosystems. They also enable reusability of functionality, allowing developers to build services once and use them across multiple applications. Furthermore, web services are essential for enabling cloud computing, mobile applications, and the Internet of Things (IoT), as they provide a standardized mechanism for diverse devices and applications to interact. The development and deployment of web services have significantly contributed to the interconnectedness and functionality of the digital world.