Computer Dictionary of Information Technology

Web Service Definition Language

(WSDL) An XML format for describing network services as a set of endpoints operating on messages containing either "document oriented" or "procedure oriented" information. The operations and messages are described abstractly, and then bound to a concrete network protocol and message format to define an endpoint. Related concrete endpoints are combined into abstract endpoints (services).

WSDL is typically used with SOAP over HTTP but it is extensible to allow description of endpoints and their messages independent of what message formats or network protocols.

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