CODEWITHSUNDEEP
c#wcfhttprestwcf-http
wcf guru needed
wcf guru needed

Reputation: 117

REST based HTTP API - should I use WCF?

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.

Upvotes: 3

Views: 749

Answers (4)

Darrel Miller
Darrel Miller

Reputation: 142222

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/

Upvotes: 6

Ian Mercer
Ian Mercer

Reputation: 39297

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

Upvotes: 1

Ben
Ben

Reputation: 6059

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.

Upvotes: 1

Bernard
Bernard

Reputation: 7961

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.

Upvotes: 0

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