Why prefer REST over SOAP?

Question

If I need a web service to pass back and forth a complex object, is there a reason I should prefer SOAP over REST? Here is an example of the possible SOAP message:

Answer 1

If you develop both the service and the client, using SOAP is as easy as REST (actually easier).

You may prefer SOAP over REST if these conditions meet:

• The entire service API is complex, not just one object.

• The service is used within a relatively small network, and performance is not an important requirement.

• You decide to spend the minimum amount of time to develop both the service and the API documentation.