WSDL - WSDL Patterns of Operation

WSDL Patterns of Operation

In WSDL, a "pattern of operation" defines how messages are exchanged between a client (consumer) and a web service (provider).

There are four main patterns in WSDL 1.1:

1. One-Way

  • What happens: The client sends a message to the web service.

  • No response is expected.

  • Use case: Sending data like logs, updates, or notifications.

Example:
A weather sensor sends temperature data to a server—no reply needed.

2. Request-Response

  • What happens: The client sends a request, and the service responds with a message.

  • This is the most common pattern in web services.

  • Use case: When you need data back, like in a login or database query.

Example:
Client sends user login credentials → server sends back a success or error message.

3. Solicit-Response

  • What happens: The web service sends a request to the client, and the client responds.

  • This is less common, as most services wait for the client to initiate.

Use case: When the service actively asks for data from the client.

Example:
The server requests a report from the client → client replies with the report.

4. Notification

  • Similar to One-Way, but initiated from the web service side.

  • The service sends a message to the client without expecting a reply.

  • Use case: Sending alerts, updates, or announcements.

Example:
A stock alert service pushes a price alert to a subscribed client.