WebSphere Message Brokers
File: ac34650_
Writer: Jane Brockbank

Reference topic

This build: July 31, 2007 21:20:26

WSDL operation types

A WSDL operation type defines the expected use of the WSDL input, output, and fault elements in the WSDL definition.

Operation types fall into two categories:
  • Request-style.
  • Solicit-style - this type is not widely used and is not WS-I compliant.
Input and output messages:
  • An input message is always the one being sent to the Web service.
  • An output message is always the one returned from the Web service.
The effect of styles on input and output:
  • Request-style: the input message is sent first; that is, the interaction is initiated by the client.
  • Solicit-style: the output message is sent first; that is, the interaction is initiated by the Web service.

The operation type does impose various requirements on the flow, for example, whether the broker is initiating the interaction or listening. You must construct an appropriate flow for the operation type.

The presence and ordering of input and output messages implicitly defines the operation type in WSDL 1.1. For example, a WSDL operation defining a single wsdl:input followed by a single wsdl:output implies that the operation type is request-response. Zero or more (*) wsdl:fault definitions can also be displayed, and the Web service returns either the expected output message or one of the defined faults messages. Refer to the following table for more information about the WSDL 1.1 operation types.

Operation Type Description Analogous to... Order of Messages
request-response client calls Web service – response expected method call Input output fault*
solicit-response Web service solicits client – response expected callback output input fault*
one-way client calls Web service – no response expected procedure – no return input
notification Web service calls client – no response expected signal – no response output
Related concepts
Message flows overview
WSDL validation
WSDL Version 1.1
Related reference
What is WSDL?
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This build: July 31, 2007 21:20:26

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