What does WSDL stand for in web services?

WSDL stands for Web Service Definition Language. It is an XML-based language used for describing the functionality offered by a web service. A WSDL document specifies the available endpoints, the operations that can be performed, input and output message formats, and the protocols used to access the service. This standardized format allows for interoperability between different web services and clients, enabling them to communicate effectively regardless of the underlying platform or technology.

The primary role of WSDL is to facilitate the service discovery and invocation processes, which are critical in service-oriented architecture (SOA). By providing a clear definition of how to interact with a web service, WSDL enables developers to generate client-side code that can consume the service efficiently.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the purpose of WSDL. They either misrepresent the function of WSDL or create terms that are not recognized in the context of web services.