web
You’re offline. This is a read only version of the page.
close
Skip to main content

Notifications

Announcements

No record found.

News and Announcements icon
Community site session details

Community site session details

Session Id :
Dynamics 365 Community / Forums / Small and medium business | Business Central, N... / Difference between Web...
Small and medium business | Business Central, N...
Suggested Answer

Difference between Webservices and API

(1) ShareShare
ReportReport
Posted on by Dr Gomathi MVP, MCT... 395 Super User 2025 Season 2
Hi,
 
I want to understand the difference between web services and API. What is the use of both?
Categories:
Dynamics 365 Business Central
I have the same question (0)
  • Suggested answer
    Shrey Chauhan Profile Picture
    Shrey Chauhan 284 on at
    Hello,

    Here's the Difference between Web Services and API's :
    • Web services require SOAP and XML to transfer data over a network, while APIs can use any protocols or design patterns.
    • APIs allow applications to communicate, while web services allow machines to communicate.
    • Web Services requires a network connection while APIs may or may not require a network for their operability.
    • Web services require SOAP and XML, which are no longer the most popular standard.
    • APIs are more efficient, with RESTful web services offering a more light-weight architecture web services are heavy.
    • Web services only support HTTP as a backbone, while APIs are more flexible.
    Hope this help's to answer your question.

    Thank You,
    Shrey Chauhan
  • Suggested answer
    YUN ZHU Profile Picture
    YUN ZHU 95,647 Super User 2025 Season 2 on at

Under review

Thank you for your reply! To ensure a great experience for everyone, your content is awaiting approval by our Community Managers. Please check back later.

Helpful resources

Quick Links

Responsible AI policies

As AI tools become more common, we’re introducing a Responsible AI Use…

Neeraj Kumar – Community Spotlight

We are honored to recognize Neeraj Kumar as our Community Spotlight honoree for…

Congratulations to the November Top 10 Community Leaders!

These are the community rock stars!

Leaderboard > Small and medium business | Business Central, NAV, RMS

#1
OussamaSabbouh Profile Picture

OussamaSabbouh 2,577

#2
YUN ZHU Profile Picture

YUN ZHU 888 Super User 2025 Season 2

#3
Jainam M. Kothari Profile Picture

Jainam M. Kothari 778 Super User 2025 Season 2

Last 30 days Overall leaderboard

Featured topics

Product updates

Dynamics 365 release plans