What aspect of REST allows for easier implementation compared to SOAP?

• A. Complexity of the setup
• B. Standard HTTP usage
• C. Limitation to XML only
• D. Mandatory security measures

Answer: (B)

The aspect of REST that facilitates an easier implementation compared to SOAP is its standard use of HTTP. REST operates over HTTP, leveraging its existing methods such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE, allowing developers to utilize the familiar and widely supported protocols directly. This reliance on standard HTTP mechanisms eliminates the need for additional layers of complexity, such as message parsing or dealing with various messaging formats that are often necessary in SOAP.

Using standard HTTP means that RESTful services can be easily tested and interacted with using basic web tools, making implementation more straightforward. This contrasts with SOAP, which requires adherence to specific protocols and often employs XML for message formatting, necessitating a more complicated setup and additional libraries for handling SOAP requests and responses. Thus, the integration of REST with existing web architecture simplifies development and reduces barriers to implementing web services.