RESTful API vs Web Service API

Question

I am looking at doing a small web application for learning purposes, using .NET. My conundrum is whether I should be exposing application logic to other sites and applications via a REST API, or a set of Web Services.

I am familiar with web services, but have not worked with REST. I understand the concepts of REST, I just have no practical experience with it.

Why would I use REST instead of web services for this scenario? Or not? What the issues that I should be mindful of when designing a REST API, particularly with .NET?

Solution

Has been asked many times, e.g.

• Why would one use REST instead of SOAP based services?
• WSDL vs REST Pros and Cons
• SOAP or REST for Web Services?

Comments

[Rhys Jones]

Great; these did not pop up when I entered my question title. I shall check them out.