SOAP Message Document
A SOAP Message is an ordinary XML document that consists of the following parts:
A mandatory SOAP envelope.
An optional SOAP header.
A mandatory SOAP body.
|
SOAP Message Part |
Description |
|---|---|
|
SOAP Envelope |
Is the top element of the XML document representing the message. It defines the content of the message, as well as the framework of what is in a message, how to process it, who should deal with it and whether it is optional or mandatory. |
|
SOAP Header |
Contains header information, and attributes that can be set to encode and further identify the type of processing as well as additional features of the message. This portion is optional. |
|
SOAP Body |
Contains the call and response information intended for the recipient of the message. A SOAP Fault element can appear in the body of the SOAP message to carry error or status information. |
Image: SOAP parts in an XML document
The following image illustrates SOAP parts in an XML document.
The following are required for a SOAP message:
Encoded using XML.
Have a SOAP envelope.
Have a SOAP body.
Use the SOAP encoding and envelope namespaces.
The following are optional for a SOAP message:
SOAP Header.
XML Schema use.
The following are invalid for a SOAP message:
DTD references.
XML Processing Instructions.
XML CData Sections.