Web API vs REST API: 4 Key Differences

Image Source

While there is no direct comparison of Web API vs REST API, below are some parameters that will let you choose the better API and provide better insights on Web API vs REST API:

1) Web API vs REST API: Protocol

Web API supports protocol for HTTP/s protocol and URL requests/responses headers that enable services to reach various clients through the web. On the other hand, all communication in the REST API is supported only through HTTP protocol.

2) Web API vs REST API: Formats

Although APIs perform identical tasks, a Web API provides flexibility to any style of communication. Whereas a REST API can take advantage of using REST, SOAP, and XML-RPC for communication.

3) Web API vs REST API: Design

As Web APIs are lightweight architecture, they are designed for gadgets constrained to devices like smartphones. In contrast, REST APIs send and receive data over systems making it a complex architecture.

4) Web API vs REST API: Support

Web API can be hosted only on an Internet Information Service (IIS) or self that supports XML and JSON requests. In contrast, REST API can be hosted only on IIS that supports standardized XML requests.