Tutorial Day: Web Services 
Abstract
This session is intended as a primer for all aspects of web services, both for those building APIs and those consuming them.
During the course of the session we’ll look at HTTP theory and the correct use of headers in a variety of situations. Data formats will be covered, with talk on the pitfalls associated with various types of data and how to architect services to handle multiple data formats with minimum maintenance overhead. Various service types will be examined, including SOAP and RPC services, and we’ll look at how to create and publish those services using PHP as well as how to consume them. Emphasis is given to designing a robust, stable and useful service, covering error handling and behaviour with the aim of empowering users and subsequently reducing support calls. Debugging tactics will be covered, including demonstration of some of the tools needed and some tips on how to track down where things are going wrong.
We’ll also cover the finer points of service design, how to build a truly useful service and how to make it easy for users to use it. The theory of REST is included and coupled with a good grounding in HTTP, we’ll go on to build RESTful example services and look at the pitfalls with this otherwise elegant approach.
The whole session comes with accompanying code to download and “play along” with during the session; you can either watch the demonstrations or get hands-on and build your own services during the day. By the time you’ll leave you’ll have a great understanding of the theory, have heard some war stories from someone who has seen it all before, and be full of strategies for working with web services in a painless way in the future.
This session is recommended for developers (not managers, sorry) of all levels who want to know more about web services of any kind.
Lorna Mitchell
Lorna Mitchell
Lorna is a PHP consultant based in Leeds. She has a number of years of experience in building and architecting professional web applications for a variety of clients and working with individuals and teams to improve their skills. She currently consults on a wide range of PHP related topics, in specialist technical areas including web services and PHP tools, but also more rounded activities such as professional development. When she’s not consulting, Lorna can be found presenting at conferences and writing for a variety of outlets .net magazine and her own blog lornajane.net.
