What is REST primarily known for compared to SOAP?

REST is primarily known for utilizing native HTTP methods for lightweight communication, which makes it more efficient and easier to work with compared to SOAP. This design leverages standard HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE to directly map operations to actions on resources, aligning well with web architecture principles. The simplicity of using standard HTTP methods allows for smoother integration and lower overhead; thus, making RESTful services more accessible for web applications.

Additionally, REST data is often represented in lighter formats such as JSON, which enhances the speed of data interchange across networks. This lightweight nature is a significant advantage, especially in mobile and web applications where performance and efficiency are critical.