WSDL Introduction

WSDL is a language based on XML for describing Web Services and how to access Web Services.

The basic knowledge you should have

Before you continue learning, you need to have a basic understanding of the following knowledge:

  • XML
  • XML Namespace
  • XML Schema

If you want to learn these projects first, please visit our XML Series Tutorial.

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 network services
  • WSDL can also be used to locate network services
  • WSDL is not yet a W3C standard

WSDL can describe network services (Web Services)

WSDL stands for Web Services Description Language (Web Services Description Language).

WSDL is a document written in XML. This document can describe a Web service. It can specify the location of the service and the operations (or methods) provided by the service.

In the history of W3C WSDL development

In March 2001, WSDL 1.1 was submitted to the W3C XML Activity on XML protocols by IBM and Microsoft as a W3C note (W3C note) for describing network services.

(W3C records are for discussion only. The publication of a W3C record does not represent that it has been approved by W3C or the W3C team or any W3C member.)

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

Please visit our W3C Tutorials Read more about the status and timeline of the specifications.