REST based HTTP API - should I use WCF?

Question

I would like to code a REST based HTTP API which is accessible from .NET and any other language like for example Python.

Should I use WCF for this? Or will that make the other languages harder to interop with my API?

I want the server to carry no state at all, and I want to be able to take advantage of HTTP persistent connections because a typical clinet will make many HTTP calls in a row. (maybe 2 hours straight of calls)

I am allowed to use .NET 4.

Darrel Miller · Accepted Answer · 2010-10-30 00:02:24Z

6

There is new stuff coming in WCF to support HTTP and REST. See, http://wcf.codeplex.com/

I wrote an intro blog post here http://www.bizcoder.com/index.php/2010/10/28/wcf-http/

answered Oct 30, 2010 at 0:02

Darrel Miller

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wcf guru needed Over a year ago

The documentation is too sparse and it seems like it is changing too rapidly. I think this will be good maybe in a few months but as it is now I don't think it is good enough.

Darrel Miller Over a year ago

@wcf The point is you can start using System.ServiceModel.Web and you will be able to seamlessly migrate to the new stack when you are comfortable with its stability.

Ben · Accepted Answer · 2010-10-29 15:43:47Z

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WCF can do about anything you'll need, but it has a steep learning curve. The REST Starter Kit from Microsoft is very helpful.

Another .NET REST framework is OpenRasta - I haven't personally used it, but I've heard good things about it.

answered Oct 29, 2010 at 15:43

Ben

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Community · Accepted Answer · 2017-05-23 12:26:49Z

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You should consider WCF, ASP.NET MVC and WCF Data Services. This article has a reasonable discussion on the pros and cons of each appproach:

http://weblogs.asp.net/cibrax/archive/2010/10/08/asp-net-mvc-wcf-rest-and-data-services-when-to-use-what-for-restful-services.aspx

See also this SO question: ASP.NET MVC and WCF

edited May 23, 2017 at 12:26

CommunityBot

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answered Oct 29, 2010 at 15:44

Ian Mercer

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Bernard · Accepted Answer · 2010-10-29 15:34:32Z

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I suggest you try using WCF. Create a simple web service first (with only one call) and see if it suits your needs. Shouldn't take you long to do this. You may find this tutorial useful.

answered Oct 29, 2010 at 15:34

Bernard

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