What is the difference between wcf service and web service?

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Possible duplicate:
Web Service and WCF Service

Duplicate:

Web Service and WCF Service

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What is the difference between WCF and Webservice?

Answer 1

WCF is a programming model and API. “WCF service” means an application that is created using this programming model and API.

A "web service" is an application that provides an HTTP interface (REST (XML or JSON), SOAP, or otherwise).

You can create a web service using WCF, but you can also create a web service using other APIs or "stacks". For example, PHP or Java.

With WCF, you can create web services, but you can also create services that are not "Webbish." For example, you can create a service that accepts incoming binary requests only through the local interface. It is still a service, but it is not a "web service" because it does not use web protocols (usually HTTP and XML).

Answer 2

WCF is an extension - it is a web service, but you can expose it via TCP / IP or named pipes in addition to the simple use of HTTP.

In addition, WCF has more security features, etc.

You can also host the WCF service inside your own application — you do not need to use IIS to host the web service (ASMX).

In conclusion: WCF IS web services are much more flexible and much more useful than direct ASMX web services.

Mark

Answer 3

I think that these two links will provide you with all the necessary information:

Comparing ASP.NET Web Services with Development-Based WCF

Comparing ASP.NET Web Services with WCF Based on Goal and Standards Used

Also check this question: What is the difference with WCF and other web services?