W3C releases first drafts of WSDL 1.2

The Worldwide Web Consortium (W3C) has announced the first public working drafts of Web Services Description Language (WSDL) 1.2, an XML-based language that describes a web service - the data exchanged, the protocol to use and its location on the web.

The new specification was developed by the W3C Web Services Description Working Group, which was set up after companies and developers expressed interest in W3C pursuing the development of a WSDL standard that could be based on WSDL 1.1, but would be subject to the W3C Process and technical requirements. These include support for W3C recommendations, including XML Schemas and XML Information Set, and coordination with other W3C technical activities

W3C said that WSDL 1.2 includes better component definition, which was the result of having open participation in the framing of requirements and review of WSDL 1.1, and the working group requirements for an unencumbered specification. Other improvements over WSDL 1.1 include language clarifications, which makes it easier for developers to understand and use, and a conceptual framework approach to define the description components, which makes them simpler and more flexible.

In addition, W3C said that WSDL 1.2 removes unnecessary and non-interoperable features from WSDL 1.1, and includes the WSDL 1.2 Bindings draft, which provides a better definition for the HTTP 1.1 binding and will soon provide a binding for SOAP 1.2 , which allows description of services using the most current version of SOAP.

These are the first in the series of WSDL 1.2 drafts and over 30 W3C members and invited experts were involved in the development process. W3C invites the web development community to review and comment on both these and subsequent versions.

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