What is the Difference Between Web Service and Web Application?

The main difference between a web service and a web application lies in their purpose, structure, and how they are accessed by users. Here are the key differences:

1. Purpose:

• A web service is a software system that allows different applications to communicate and share data with each other. It uses XML, SOAP, WSDL, and UDDI open standards to achieve this task.
• A web application is a software program that resides on the web and can be accessed by any device connected to the internet. It is designed for users to interact with through a web browser and typically has a Graphical User Interface (GUI).

1. Structure:

• Web services do not necessarily have a user interface, as they are used as a component in an application.
• Web applications have a complete application with a GUI, providing an interactive and user-friendly experience for users.

1. Accessibility:

• Web services can be accessed by any language or platform and are used for transferring data between web applications.
• Web applications are accessed through a web browser running on the client's machine.

In summary, web services are designed for communication and data exchange between different applications, while web applications are created for user interaction and provide a complete software experience through a web browser.

Comparative Table: Web Service vs Web Application

Here is a table comparing the differences between web services and web applications:

In summary, web services are designed to support machine-to-machine interaction and are typically used for data exchange between different applications and platforms. They rely on standards like SOAP, UDDI, and WSDL to facilitate communication. Web applications, on the other hand, are designed to support client-server interaction and rely on APIs for standardized communication between applications.