What is a significant advantage of REST over SOAP in terms of resource usage?

• A. REST requires more bandwidth and resources.
• B. REST is simpler because it uses standard HTTP.
• C. REST permits only XML data format.
• D. REST relies on complex configurations.

Answer: (B)

The significant advantage of REST over SOAP regarding resource usage is that REST is simpler because it uses standard HTTP. This simplicity takes advantage of the widely adopted HTTP protocol, making it more efficient and easier to implement. By utilizing standard operations like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE, REST APIs facilitate reduced overhead and lower resource consumption, both in terms of bandwidth and processing power.

In contrast to REST, SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) is more complex and often involves substantial amounts of XML-based messaging and additional layers of protocols that can lead to increased resource usage. Because REST operates directly over the HTTP protocol without the need for extensive configurations or additional messaging formats, it allows for quicker and more lightweight interactions. This is particularly beneficial in scenarios where performance and resource efficiency are critical.

Other options provide incorrect assertions about REST's capabilities, leading to a misunderstanding of its design goals and its advantages compared to SOAP.