Introduction to WSDL

WSDL is an XML-based language for describing Web services and how to access them.

What You Should Already Know

Before you continue you should have a basic understanding of the following:

• XML
• XML Namespaces
• XML Schema

If you want to study these subjects first, find the tutorials on XML Tutorial.

What is WSDL?

• WSDL stands for Web Services Description Language
• WSDL is written in XML
• WSDL is an XML document
• WSDL is used to describe Web services
• WSDL is also used to locate Web services
• WSDL is not yet a W3C standard

WSDL Describes Web Services

WSDL stands for Web Services Description Language.

WSDL is a document written in XML. The document describes a Web service. It specifies the location of the service and the operations (or methods) the service exposes.

WSDL Development History at W3C

WSDL 1.1 was submitted as a W3C Note by Ariba, IBM and Microsoft for describing services for the W3C XML Activity on XML Protocols in March 2001.

(a W3C Note is made available by the W3C for discussion only. Publication of a Note by W3C indicates no endorsement by W3C or the W3C Team, or any W3C Members)

The first Working Draft of WSDL 1.2 was released by W3C in July 2002.

Go to W3C Tutorial to read more about specification status and timeline.