RPC and Document formatting are two of the most used terminology concerning Web services and SOAP protocol. Online Services Description Language (WSDL) papers are frequently used to define web services.
The RPC style creates a WSDL document based on the method call and its variables. The WSDL document has no type of definition. The type is contained in the document style, which may be checked against the preset schema.
Key Takeaways
- RPC (Remote Procedure Call) is a communication protocol that allows a program to execute a subroutine on a remote server.
- The document refers to document-style web services, which exchange structured data in formats like XML or JSON.
- RPC and document-style web services facilitate communication between applications, but RPC is more procedure-oriented, while document-style is data-oriented.
RPC vs Document
RPC is a protocol that enables systems to call a function on a remote system and receive the result, and it is used in the distributed system. Document-based communication exchanges structured documents rather than invoking functions; document-based communication is used in web services and RESTful APIs.
RPC is an abbreviation for remote procedure calls. It is a program connection protocol that enables one program to seek services from another program on a system without comprehending the network’s intricacies.
RPC is used to invoke other processes on distant computers, just as it would on a local system.
In Document style web services, we can convey an XML message as part of a SOAP request.
Document-style web services are best suited for applications in which an XML communication operates as a document, the content of which might change, and the aim of the web service does not depend on the contents of the XML message.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | RPC | Document |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | A program that interposes communication | Also known as message-oriented style is the default setting as a SOAP message |
| SOAP binding styles | Includes many parts | A single document |
| File integration | Strongly linked | Weakly coupled |
| Service parameters format | Delivered as discrete values | Uses basic XML format |
| Operation name | Retains the operation title | Loses the operation title |
What is RPC?
A remote Procedure Call is a software interaction protocol that allows one program to demand services from another program on a network without needing to comprehend the network’s characteristics.
RPC is used to invoke other processes on distant computers, just as it would on a local system. In some cases, a procedure call is also known as a callback function or a subroutine call.
The client-server paradigm is used by RPC. The software that requests the service is known as the client, and the program that provides the service is known as the server.
An RPC, like a native procedure call, is a synchronous operation that requires the asking application to be halted until the remote process’s results are returned.
On the other hand, the usage of featherweight processes or threads that occupy the same network address allows numerous RPCs to be done concurrently.
When program instructions that utilize the RPC framework are converted into an executable program, a stub that represents the remote procedure code is included in the produced code.
When the program is executed, and a procedure call is issued, the stub accepts the request and passes it on to a client runtime program on the local machine.
When the client stub is initially activated, it connects to a name server to get the protocol address of the server.
What is a Document?
The SOAP Body is made up of one or more child components known as parts. The body has no SOAP format constraints; it contains whatever its sender and recipient agree on. This is known as the Document style.
The message in the Document/Literal style may always be verified using any XML checker. The schema precisely defines the content of the SOAP body. The document style is set to default.
It specifies type information in the WSDL file, either inline or externally. Alternatively, it imports an XSD document that explains the structure (schema) of the complex data types transferred by those services functions that are loosely connected.
With web services in the form of documents, two business associates agree to exchange sophisticated business documents with a well-defined XML structure.
There is no explicit mapping among document/literal SOAP messages and scripting languages; all it specifies is that the SOAP message will comply with a specific XML Schema.
For example, if one party provides a document detailing a purchase order, the other party answers (immediately or later) with a document describing the buy order’s status.
There is no need to agree on such minor matters as operation titles and related parameters. The SOAP message’s payload is an XML document that may be verified against an XML schema.
The style element on the SOAP binding defines the document.
Main Differences Between RPC and Document
- Remote procedure call (RPC) within JavaScript is a program that interposes communication, whereas the document style, also known as message-oriented style, is the default setting that is transmitted as a singular “document” in the component.
- The SOAP content in RPC style may include many parts, whereas, in document style, the SOAP message is transmitted as a single document.
- The RPC is strongly linked, but the document style is weakly coupled.
- The parameters in the RPC style are delivered as discrete values, however, in the document style, the client transmits the service parameters in basic XML format.
- The RPC/literal style retains the operation title in the SOAP message, whereas the Document/Literal style does not.
Last Updated : 13 February, 2024
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
This was really informative. Thanks for sharing!
The explanation on RPC vs Document in web services is very comprehensive, it opens my mind about the protocols
RPC is so noughties. Document style FTW!
Haha, I agree. It’s all about document style now.
I think both styles have their use cases, it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation
RPC, because who wants another document to manage? It’s good to keep it simple.
I disagree. Document style allows for more flexibility and isn’t as rigid as RPC.
Exactly!
I think the differences between RPC and Document style are quite subtle and this could be explored further…
Yes, the line between RPC and Document style might be thinner than we think
RPC and Document services are key to the functioning of today’s interconnected software systems