WSDL Message definition and elements - what are the rules???

[SteveJR]

Hi,

Would someone be able to tell me if there is a requirement in XML/WSDL/SOAP rules which means an application must return a response message with the same top-level element as defined in the WSDL thata client would use?

For example, if I have a WSDL that contains the following:

<wsdl:message name="ServiceResponseMessage">
<wsdlart name="Header" element="v1_0:Header"/>
<wsdlart name="Body" element="v1_0:ServiceResponse"/>
</wsdl:message>

Then the body element in the response message from the application should have ServiceResponse as the top level element.

Is the above correct or can the application return a body part that has "ResponseBody" as the top level element? Should this make any difference to the calling client?

Does the message returned from the application need to start with the same top level element but use any namespaces it wishes as they are just references?

Many thanks for your help,

Steve

 

[Diancecht]

Think on the WSDL as a contract with the client. So, yes, the client is expecting a response that will follow the schema shown in the WSDL file.

Cheers,
Dian

 

[SteveJR]

Thanks Dian.

I assumed that would be the case but wasn't sure if there were rules that said the client could still accept a response where the top level was different but then I guess it could not confirm it was getting the right response.

Steve

 

[Diancecht]

Well, it's up to the client to validate the message or not but even if chooses to not do it, how would know if the top element is just renamed or the structure has changed? The structure uses to be necessary to properly identify the data contained in it.

Cheers,
Dian