SOAP messages

SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) messages are structured formats used for computers to communicate over a network. They are like formal letters containing requests or responses, formatted in XML (a readable data format). SOAP messages enable different systems, possibly built with various technologies, to exchange information reliably and securely. They specify what data is being sent, the action to perform, and include instructions for handling errors. Used mainly in web services, SOAP ensures standardized, platform-independent communication between distributed applications, supporting complex interactions such as retrieving data or executing commands across different systems.