Microservices vs Web Services: Key Differences and When to Use Each
In the present era, which is driven by technology, it is necessary to create software systems that are scalable, effective, and available. Whether you are designing a new application or updating an existing application, it is most likely that you have not been spared from the likes of Microservices vs Web Services. Although they may be used in the same context, microservices and web services are separate entities that work synergistically together; each has its advantages and areas of application. Microservices and web services shall be defined and the appropriate contexts for their use shall be discussed.
What Are Web Services?
Web services can be simply defined as systems of software that allow communication between applications on a network, usually using application-level protocols such as HTTP. These services provide business logic over the web so that applications developed in different environments can interoperate.
Categories of Web Services
- SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol)
SOAP is a protocol for exchanging structured information, with preservation of high security; it is mainly used in high-level applications like banking. - REST (Representational State Transfer)
RESTful Web Services are easier, quicker, and stateless, making them ideal for light web applications. - XML-RPC and JSON-RPC
These are used for a direct procedure call between systems, often with one single request/response.
What Are Microservices?
Microservices, in contrast, represent an architectural design in which an application is decomposed into numerous, ideally separate, services, each implementing a specific business capability. Web services are about the communication aspects only; microservices concern how the applications are designed. Every microservice is self-contained and can be deployed independently, with a dedicated database and codebase.
Benefits of Microservices
- Scalability: All the individual services are capable of scaling on their own, which is perfect if there are increasing workloads that need to be handled.
- Resilience: If one of the services is down, the others are still functional, which reduces the amount of downtime.
- Faster Development: Individuals can work on different services simultaneously, leading to quicker delivery of services.
- Flexibility: Individual services can be built using various programming languages and other technologies.
- Easy Maintenance: Maintenance is easier due to the use of small modules that can be easily updated or repaired.
Advantages of Web Services
- Interoperability: Web services offer an interface that supports cross-language, cross-platform communication.
- Standardized Protocols: Protocols such as SOAP and REST guarantee the security and reliability of the transfer.
- Reusability: The reused web services can be helpful in several applications, thus reducing the time taken to develop one.
- Ease of Use: These are easy to create and use, especially because RESTful web services have a minimalist nature.
- Cost-Effectiveness: The process of integration is simplified, thus there is no longer a need for many tailor-made connecting APIs.
When to Use Microservices
Microservices are optimized for complex systems to be created and also the need for flexibility and scalability. Take for instance the following examples:
• Online Shopping Sites: Every function—logistics, payments, user accounts, etc.—can work separately from each other.
• Video-on-Demand Services: Streaming, browsing recommendations, and user profiles are all handled by different microservices to deliver the best quality.
• Corporate Structure: A microservices strategy is preferred in designing large institutions’ structures.
Microservices are not easy strategies to put into practice, as they need an advanced infrastructure such as Kubernetes, Docker, and industrious DevOps practices.
When to Use Web Services
Web services are most suitable for less complicated applications or when integration of several systems is needed. They are employed in:
• B2B Integrations: SOAP web services facilitate secure and trustworthy communications between companies.
• Backends for Mobile Applications: RESTful web services are the best to use in support of mobile applications by providing thin application programming interfaces.
• Applications Designed for Different Platforms: Web services enable systems developed in Java, .NET, and many other technologies to communicate with each other without challenges.
Note: Web services are very appropriate for use in systems that emphasize use rather than the need for microservice independence.
Microservices and Web Services – Is There Compatibility Between One And The Other?
Yes! Indeed, microservices are usually web services dependent. In a microservices pattern, RESTful web services are implemented to communicate with other services or external systems. So, think of web services as bricks and microservices as the architecture of the construction of the bricks.
The Final Verdict
It is not a case of which is superior when comparing microservices and web services, but rather that the two serve varied needs. Their differences and, therefore, their merits will enable you to design effective application systems to meet your needs. The decision is entirely up to you, whether harnessing microservices for a revolutionary app or utilizing web services for effective communication.
