✅ What is WCF?

WCF (Windows Communication Foundation) is a .NET framework used to build service-oriented applications.
It allows different applications (built on different platforms or technologies) to communicate with each other over a network.

In simple words 👇
👉 WCF = One framework to build multiple types of services (SOAP, REST, TCP, MSMQ, etc.)
🔹 Example (Real-life)

Suppose:

• Your ASP.NET MVC / Web App

• A Desktop App

• A Mobile App

All want to talk to one central service → WCF Service

🔹 What are Web Services?

Web Services are services that communicate over HTTP using SOAP or REST.

Common types:

• ASMX Web Services (Old .NET web services)

• REST Web Services

• SOAP Web Services

🔥 Difference Between WCF and Web Services

🔹 Simple Definition (Exam / Interview Ready)

✔ WCF:

WCF is a unified framework for building secure, reliable, and scalable distributed applications using multiple communication protocols.

✔ Web Service:

A web service is a software component that allows communication between applications over the internet using HTTP.

🔹 When to Use What?

✅ Use WCF when:

• High performance required

• Multiple protocols needed

• Enterprise-level application

• Security & transactions are important

✅ Use Web Services (REST API) when:

• Lightweight

• Mobile / Angular / React apps

• Simple CRUD operations

• Internet-based communication

🔹 Interview One-Line Difference 💡

Web Service works only on HTTP, whereas WCF supports multiple protocols like HTTP, TCP, MSMQ, and more.