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wcfweb-servicesasmx

What are the differences between WCF and ASMX web services?

I am totally confused between WCF and ASMX web services. I have used a lot of web services in my earlier stage, and now there is this new thing introduced called WCF. I can still create WCF that function as a web service. I think there will be more stuff in WCF.

What are the differences between WCF and Web services? When should each one be used?

Solution

  • Keith Elder nicely compares ASMX to WCF here. Check it out.

    Another comparison of ASMX and WCF can be found here - I don't 100% agree with all the points there, but it might give you an idea.

    WCF is basically "ASMX on stereoids" - it can be all that ASMX could - plus a lot more!.

    ASMX is:

    • easy and simple to write and configure
    • only available in IIS
    • only callable from HTTP

    WCF can be:

    • hosted in IIS, a Windows Service, a Winforms application, a console app - you have total freedom
    • used with HTTP (REST and SOAP), TCP/IP, MSMQ and many more protocols

    In short: WCF is here to replace ASMX fully.

    Check out the WCF Developer Center on MSDN.

    Update: link seems to be dead - try this: What Is Windows Communication Foundation?