XML Web Services are modular, self-describing applications that can be published, located and invoked from anywhere on the web.

The beauty of web services is that neither the consumer nor the provider need worry about the operating system, language environment, or component model used to access them.

In fact, all you need to use a web service is an Internet connection and a browser.

What technologies are involved in Web Services?

XML, SOAP and HTTP are the base technologies of Web services architecture.

XML (Extensible Markup Language) is a W3C initiative that allows information and services to be encoded with meaningful structure and semantics that computers and humans can understand. XML is especially useful for information exchange and it is used by Web services to pass data and/or instructions back and forth between the provider and the consumer of the Web service.

SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) is a messaging protocol between computers e.g. the protocol that allows your computer to talk to the ePostcode server and vice-versa. It is a simple wire protocol that is based on XML and it allows remote computers to connect regardless of their operating system, programming language, or object model utilised.

HTTP (The Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the set of rules for exchanging files (text, graphic images, sound, video, and other multimedia files) on the World Wide Web. Relative to the TCP/IP suite of protocols (which are the basis for information exchange on the Internet), HTTP is an application protocol. Because web services and SOAP use the HTTP protocol to exchange information ther are no problems passing through firewalls.

How can I use the eSortcode web service?

It's actually very simple. The web service has an address on the internet like any web site. The address of eSortcode is:

https://ws.esortcode.com/bankdetails.asmx

and if you click on the link you will be taken a page where you will find everything you need to consume the web service as well as a list of the methods available.

From the link above you can get a formal definition or Web Service Description Language (WSDL) of the service by clicking on the Service Description link. This WSDL is all that developers need to enable them to integrate the service into a website, intranet or desktop application.

If you are interested in integrating eSortcode have a look at our Developer Centre where you will find code samples and downloads that should help you to get started. Have a go, it's a lot easier than you might think.

What functions does the eSortcode web service provide?

eSortcode currently has 8 methods and these are listed below. For a more detailed description of these methods click on the corresponding link.

	ValidateAccount	This function is used to Validate a UK Bank Sortcode and Account Number. more...
	BranchDetails	This function is used to return the Branch Details for a Sort Code. more...
	ExtendedBranchDetails	This function is used to return the Branch Details for a Sort Code and includes the Faster Payments Service information (EISCD). more...
	ExtendedBranchDetails_AllBranches	This function is used to return the Branch Details, including sub branch details, for a Sort Code and includes the Faster Payments Service information (EISCD). more...
	StandardiseAccount	This function is used to transpose Non-standard (i.e. 6, 7, 9 & 10 digit) Account Numbers into Standard (i.e. 8 digit) Account Numbers (This service is free)
	ValidateAccountGetBranchDetails	This function incorporates the StandardiseAccount, ValidateAccount and BranchDetails web services into one web service
	ValidateAccountGetExtendedBranchDetails	This function incorporates the StandardiseAccount, ValidateAccount and BranchDetails web services into one web service and includes Faster Payments Service Information (EISCD)
	ValidateCreditCard	This function is used to Validate a Credit Card Number. more...