WSDL Introduction

WSDL is an XML-based language for describing Web Services and how to access them.

Prerequisites

Before you continue, you should have a basic understanding of the following:

  • XML
  • XML Namespaces
  • XML Schema

If you wish to learn these topics first, please visit ourXML Tutorial Series。

What is WSDL?

  • WSDL stands for Web Services Description Language
  • WSDL is written in XML
  • WSDL is an XML document
  • WSDL is used to describe Web Services
  • WSDL can also be used to locate Web Services
  • WSDL is not yet a W3C standard

WSDL can describe Web Services

WSDL stands for Web Services Description Language.

WSDL is a document written in XML. Such a document can describe a Web service. It can specify the location of the service, as well as the operations (or methods) the service provides.

The history of WSDL at W3C

In March 2001, WSDL 1.1 was submitted by IBM and Microsoft as a W3C note to the W3C XML activity on XML protocols, for describing Web Services.

(W3C notes are provided for discussion only. Publication of a W3C note does not imply endorsement by W3C, the W3C team, or any W3C members.)

In July 2002, W3C published the first WSDL 1.2 working draft.

Please visit ourW3C Tutorialto read more about the status and timeline of the specification.

Other Extensions