6.2. Introduction to WSDL

6.2.1. The basic knowledge you should have ¶

Before continuing, 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 of tutorials.

6.2.2. What is WSDL? ¶

• WSDL refers to the network service 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 a W3C standard yet.

6.2.3. WSDL can describe network services (Web Services) ¶

WSDL refers to the Network Services description language.

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

6.2.4. The Development History of WSDL in W3C ¶

In March 2001, WSDL 1.1 was submitted by IBM and Microsoft as a W3C record (W3C note) to the W3C XML activity on the XML protocol to describe network services.

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

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

Please read more about the status and timeline of the specification in our W3C tutorial.