WSDL (Web Services Description Language) File
In Salesforce, an XML file that defines the operations and data types available in a web service API, downloaded from Setup and used to generate client code for SOAP API integrations with Salesforce (Enterprise, Partner, or Metadata WSDL).
Definition
In Salesforce, an XML file that defines the operations and data types available in a web service API, downloaded from Setup and used to generate client code for SOAP API integrations with Salesforce (Enterprise, Partner, or Metadata WSDL).
In plain English
“A WSDL file in Salesforce is an XML file that defines the operations and data types available in a web service API. You download it from Setup and use it to generate client code for making SOAP API calls to Salesforce from external systems.”
Worked example
A Java developer at Allerton Software is integrating a logistics dashboard into Salesforce. He downloads the Salesforce Enterprise WSDL from his org's Setup → API → Generate Enterprise WSDL menu - an XML file describing every standard and custom Salesforce object as web service operations. He runs it through the WSC (Web Service Connector) tool to generate Java client classes, then uses those classes to make typed SOAP calls. The Enterprise WSDL is org-specific (includes the org's custom objects); the Partner WSDL is generic across orgs. The WSDL file is the contract that makes the SOAP integration possible.
Why WSDL (Web Services Description Language) File matters
In Salesforce, a WSDL (Web Services Description Language) file is an XML file that defines the operations and data types available in a web service API, downloaded from Setup and used to generate client code for making SOAP API calls. Salesforce provides two main WSDLs: Enterprise WSDL (org-specific with custom objects) and Partner WSDL (generic for cross-org use).
WSDLs are part of the SOAP API integration approach. Most modern Salesforce integration uses REST APIs, which don't use WSDLs. However, WSDLs remain relevant for organizations with existing SOAP-based integrations and for specific use cases where SOAP is required.
How organizations use WSDL (Web Services Description Language) File
Uses WSDLs for legacy SOAP integrations while building new integration with REST.
Teaches WSDL concepts as part of understanding Salesforce API landscape.
Maintains SOAP integrations using Enterprise and Partner WSDLs.
Trust & references
Straight from the source - Salesforce's reference material on WSDL (Web Services Description Language) File.
- SOAP API Quick Start: Generate WSDLSalesforce Developers
- About SOAP APISalesforce Developers
Test your knowledge
Q1. What is a WSDL file?
Q2. What are the two main Salesforce WSDLs?
Q3. Is SOAP the modern approach?
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