How Does ServiceStack's Request DTO Design Differ from WCF and Web API Approaches?

ServiceStack Request DTO Design

ServiceStack's API design differs significantly from WCF and Web API approaches. It emphasizes message-based services where the entire query is captured in the Request DTO rather than the server method signatures.

Combining RPC Calls

ServiceStack allows multiple RPC calls to be fulfilled by a single remote message and service implementation. For example, a single service can handle finding customers by ID, username, or email.

Message-Based vs. RPC Design

In ServiceStack, the Request DTO represents the essence of the request and captures all relevant information. This differs from RPC services like WCF and Web API, where method parameters specify the request.

Separating Call Semantics and Response Types

Services are grouped based on call semantics (filtering vs. combining) and response types (single vs. multiple). This allows for clean and consistent API design.

Distinguishing Service Operations from Types

Service operations (Request DTOs) are actions (verbs), while DTO types they return are entities (nouns). Keep them separate to maintain clarity.

Returning Generic Responses

ServiceStack's new API eliminates the need for a ResponseStatus property in responses. Generic ErrorResponse DTOs will be thrown when appropriate.

Keeping a Consistent Nomenclature

Reserve the "Get" verb for services that query on unique fields. Use "Find" or "Search" for services that filter and return multiple results.

Self-Describing Service Contracts

Use descriptive field names in your Request DTOs to make your API more self-documenting.

Service Implementation

Services can be annotated with [Authenticate] for authorization. Fluent Validation can be used for input validation by registering validators in the AppHost.

Error Handling and Validation

Exceptions or Fluent Validation can be used for error handling. Validators are non-invasive and can be added in a layered approach without modifying service implementation or DTO classes.

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