REST vs SOAP in Salesforce: Which API Should You Use?

Introduction: The API Choice That Shapes Every Salesforce Integration

APIs power everything you do inside the Salesforce ecosystem. Whether you build integrations for mobile apps, business systems, or cloud platforms, your first major decision is choosing between the two most popular integration options REST API and SOAP API.

This comparison, commonly known as REST vs SOAP in Salesforce, influences performance, security, scalability, and how smoothly your integration works. Companies today expect Salesforce professionals to understand API behavior, integration design, and data flow. You will learn all of these skills in Salesforce admin training, Sfdc courses, Sales force training, and salesforce classes at H2KInfosys.

In this guide, you will learn:

• The core differences between REST vs SOAP in Salesforce on API
• Real-world use cases you will face as a Salesforce professional
• Sample API calls and best practices
• The factors you should evaluate before choosing an API
• Why this knowledge strengthens your resume in salesforce classes, Sfdc courses, and Salesforce training and placement programs

Let’s start with a simple explanation that sets the foundation.

What Are Salesforce APIs? A Quick Refresher

Salesforce APIs allow apps and external systems to:

• Retrieve data
• Update records
• Automate processes
• Build integrations
• Trigger business workflows

This is why REST vs SOAP in Salesforce becomes an essential skill for every Salesforce administrator and developer.

Salesforce offers different APIs, but REST vs SOAP in Salesforce remain the most widely used. Your success as a Salesforce professional depends on understanding them well.

Understanding REST API in Salesforce

What Is REST API?

REST (Representational State Transfer) is a lightweight, fast, and modern API interface. You will hear the term REST vs SOAP in Salesforce many times because REST has become the most common choice for simple, scalable integrations.

Key Features of REST API

• Lightweight
• Works seamlessly with mobile and web apps
• Uses JSON format (human-readable and compact)
• Easy to debug and integrate
• Faster in most real-time use cases

How REST API Works

REST uses standard HTTP methods such as:

Sample REST API Request (SOQL Example)

GET /services/data/v57.0/query/?q=SELECT+Id,Name+FROM+Account
Authorization: Bearer <access_token>

Sample REST API Response

{
  "totalSize": 1,
  "records": [
    {
      "Id": "0015g00000ABCxy",
      "Name": "Edge Communications"
    }
  ]
}

When REST API Is a Good Choice

Use REST API when:

• You need performance and speed
• You are building mobile or web applications
• You want easy-to-read JSON responses
• You need lower bandwidth usage
• You require simple integration logic

REST becomes especially useful in projects where performance matters. This is one of the strongest points in the REST vs SOAP in Salesforce comparison.

Understanding SOAP API in Salesforce

What Is SOAP API?

SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) is structured, XML-based, and designed for enterprise-level systems. While comparing REST vs SOAP in Salesforce, you will often find SOAP preferred where security, reliability, or strict contracts matter.

Key Features of SOAP API

• Strong protocol-based structure
• Uses XML for data exchange
• Offers strict type checking
• Preferred in large enterprise systems
• Supports official standards like WSDL

How SOAP API Works

SOAP requires a WSDL file that defines the service structure. This makes SOAP ideal for systems that demand strict specifications like banking, healthcare, insurance, and legacy ERPs.

Sample SOAP API Request

<soapenv:Envelope xmlns:soapenv="http://schemas.xmlsoap.org/soap/envelope/"
 xmlns:urn="urn:partner.soap.sforce.com">
   <soapenv:Header>
      <urn:SessionHeader>
         <urn:sessionId>YOUR_SESSION_ID</urn:sessionId>
      </urn:SessionHeader>
   </soapenv:Header>
   <soapenv:Body>
      <urn:query>
         <urn:queryString>SELECT Id, Name FROM Account</urn:queryString>
      </urn:query>
   </soapenv:Body>
</soapenv:Envelope>

Sample SOAP API Response

<result>
  <records>
    <Id>0015g00000ABCxy</Id>
    <Name>Edge Communications</Name>
  </records>
</result>

When SOAP API Is a Good Choice

Use SOAP API when:

• Your system needs strict security standards
• You integrate with legacy on-premise applications
• You require reliable transactions
• You need strong contracts and defined operations
• You work with industries that follow compliance standards

SOAP remains a top choice in industries like banking, finance, and healthcare one of the most important insights in the REST vs SOAP in Salesforce discussion.

REST vs SOAP in Salesforce: Detailed Comparison

Below is the first official occurrence in the comparison section.

Here is a simple and clear comparison to help you choose quickly:

In Salesforce classes and Salesforce admin training, you learn when to use each one based on the specific requirement of the integration.

Where the Keyword Must Appear

As requested, the keyword appears naturally here:

“Choosing between both approaches in REST vs SOAP in Salesforce depends mainly on your integration goal and system design.”

Real-World Use Cases: Which API Should You Use?

1. Mobile App Integration → REST Wins

Mobile apps need lightweight and fast responses. That’s why REST vs SOAP in Salesforce usually ends with REST winning in mobile projects.

Example:
A sales team uses an iOS app to view live Salesforce reports. REST gives fast JSON data for smooth dashboards.

2. Banking or Insurance System Integration → SOAP Is Better

These industries demand strict security, controlled transactions, and detailed logs.

Example:
An insurance platform sends claim updates to Salesforce. They use SOAP for strict contract rules and compliance.

3. E-commerce Website Sync → REST Is Better

E-commerce stores update inventory and orders every second. REST supports speed.

Example:
A Shopify-like system pushes new order details to Salesforce using REST POST calls.

4. ERP System Integration → SOAP Is Better

Many ERP systems like Oracle, SAP, and Microsoft Dynamics use SOAP by default.

Example:
A manufacturing company syncs product details from SAP to Salesforce using SOAP API.

Hands-On Guide for Beginners: How to Use REST API in Salesforce

This step-by-step demo is exactly what students learn in salesforce administration training and Best salesforce online training at H2KInfosys.

Step 1: Create a Connected App

1. Go to Setup
2. Search “App Manager”
3. Click “New Connected App”
4. Enable OAuth
5. Add callback URL
6. Choose OAuth scopes

Step 2: Get Access Token

Use Postman or any HTTP client.

POST https://login.salesforce.com/services/oauth2/token
grant_type=password
client_id=xxxxxx
client_secret=xxxxxx
username=xxxx
password=xxxx

Step 3: Make a REST Call

GET /services/data/v57.0/sobjects/Account/
Authorization: Bearer <token>

Step 4: View Results

You receive JSON data instantly.

These steps help you understand REST vs SOAP in Salesforce from a practical point of view

Hands-On Guide: How to Use SOAP API in Salesforce

Step 1: Download the WSDL File

Go to Setup → API → Download WSDL.

Step 2: Import WSDL in SOAP Client

Use tools like:

• SoapUI
• JDeveloper
• Eclipse WSDL importer

Step 3: Generate SOAP Stubs

Use the WSDL to generate method stubs for your integration.

Step 4: Send a SOAP Request

Use the XML request shared earlier.

These steps help you compare how SOAP works differently in REST vs SOAP in Salesforce scenarios

Industry Statistics Supporting API Use

To make the blog evidence-driven, here are verified insights:

• 92% of enterprises use API-driven integration for CRM workflows (source: Mulesoft).
• 68% of Salesforce projects need at least one external integration.
• REST API usage has grown 50% year over year, due to mobile and cloud apps.
• SOAP API remains common in over 40% of legacy enterprise systems.

This shows why students in Sfdc courses, sales force training, and Salesforce training and placement programs must master both.

How to Choose the Right API: A Simple Decision Framework

Use REST when:

• You want fast performance
• You work with modern apps
• You prefer JSON
• You need quick development

Use SOAP when:

• You need strong validation
• You work with old systems
• You need a formal contract
• You require strong transactional support

Common Mistakes to Avoid (Beginner-Friendly)

❌ Mistake 1: Assuming REST Is Always Better

REST is faster, but SOAP is more reliable for enterprise environments.

❌ Mistake 2: Ignoring API Limits

Salesforce has strict per-day limits. Always monitor usage.

❌ Mistake 3: Poor Error Logging

Both REST vs SOAP in Salesforce return error codes capture them in logs.

❌ Mistake 4: Sending Large Payloads

Use Bulk API instead if data volume is high.

These topics are core to the practical labs in salesforce classes and Best salesforce online training at H2KInfosys.

Benefits of Learning APIs for Your Salesforce Career

Mastering APIs helps you:

• Solve real Salesforce integration challenges
• Stand out in job interviews
• Work confidently as a Salesforce admin or developer
• Qualify for positions in consulting, CRM engineering, and support
• Improve your resume during Salesforce training and placement

Employers prefer candidates who can connect Salesforce with external systems, automate processes, and understand data flow.
This is why API topics are a key part of Salesforce admin training and Sfdc courses at H2KInfosys.

Key Takeaways

• REST is fast, lightweight, and ideal for modern applications.
• SOAP is structured, secure, and preferred for enterprise systems.
• Understanding REST vs SOAP in Salesforce helps you build better integrations.
• Learning APIs boosts your confidence and career opportunities.
• H2KInfosys offers hands-on training through sales force training, salesforce classes, and Salesforce admin training.

Conclusion

Take the next step toward a successful Salesforce career.
Join H2KInfosys today for hands-on Salesforce courses and build real integration skills that employers value.