Web Reference vs. Service Reference in .NET 3.5: Which Approach Should I Choose?

Web Reference vs. Service Reference: Demystifying the Differences for .NET 3.5 Applications

In the realm of .NET web services, navigating the terminologies of Web Reference and Service Reference can be a perplexing endeavor. This article aims to shed light on the distinctions between these two approaches, specifically for applications based on the .NET 3.5 framework without utilizing Windows Communication Foundation (WCF).

Understanding Web Reference

Web Reference, inherited from the ASP.NET Web Services (ASMX) technology, allows developers to consume ASMX web services using the XmlSerializer serialization mechanism. Adding a Web Reference to a project (web or non-web) instantiates an ASMX client that interacts with the ASMX web service.

Service Reference: The Modern Approach

In contrast, Service Reference is the contemporary method for consuming web services, leveraging WCF's advanced and flexible service model. By adding a Service Reference to a project, developers create a WCF service reference that provides an array of functionalities beyond traditional ASMX services.

Differentiating Service Reference from Web Reference

The primary distinctions between these two approaches lie in the underlying technology: ASMX for Web Reference and WCF for Service Reference. These fundamental differences result in variations in:

• Serialization: Web Reference utilizes XmlSerializer, while Service Reference supports various serialization mechanisms, including DataContractSerializer and NetDataContractSerializer, providing greater flexibility in handling complex data.
• Features: WCF-based Service Reference offers extensive features, including advanced data contracts, endpoints, service operations, metadata retrieval, and customizable service behaviors, which are absent in Web Reference.
• Performance: Service Reference outperforms Web Reference in terms of performance and scalability due to its asynchronous programming model and optimized network stack.

Making the Right Choice for .NET 3.5 Applications

Developers building .NET 3.5 applications without WCF can still utilize the legacy Web Reference approach if necessary. However, for projects seeking to leverage the advanced capabilities and enhancements offered by WCF, Service Reference stands as the preferred choice.

Using Web Reference with .NET 3.5

To add a Web Reference to a .NET 3.5 project without WCF, follow these steps:

1. In the Solution Explorer, right-click on the project and select "Add Reference."
2. Click on the "Advanced" button in the bottom-left corner of the Reference Manager dialog box.
3. Select "Add Web Reference" in the next dialog that appears.

Using Service Reference with .NET 3.5

To add a Service Reference to a .NET 3.5 project without WCF, ensure that the following namespaces are included in the project:

• Microsoft.Web.Services3
• Microsoft.Web.Services3.Design
• Microsoft.Web.Services3.Protocols

Once these namespaces are referenced, developers can proceed with adding the Service Reference as if WCF was installed, taking advantage of its advanced capabilities.

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