Which protocol enables a program on one computer to execute a program on a server computer?

Which protocol enables a program on one computer to execute a program on a server computer?

• A. FTP
• B. HTTP
• C. SOAP
• D. SMTP

Answer: (C)

Remote procedure invocation is what this question targets. SOAP is designed specifically to let a client request a server to run a defined operation and return the result. It does this by sending an XML-encoded message that describes the method to call and its parameters, wrapped in a SOAP envelope, typically carried over HTTP. The server processes the request, executes the specified function, and replies with the result in another XML message. This makes SOAP well-suited for enabling one computer to cause a server to execute code on behalf of the client. FTP is about moving files, not running server-side code. HTTP simply transfers resources and doesn’t by itself define a mechanism for invoking remote functions, though it often carries SOAP or other RPC payloads. SMTP is for email and isn’t used for remote procedure calls.

Remote procedure invocation is what this question targets. SOAP is designed specifically to let a client request a server to run a defined operation and return the result. It does this by sending an XML-encoded message that describes the method to call and its parameters, wrapped in a SOAP envelope, typically carried over HTTP. The server processes the request, executes the specified function, and replies with the result in another XML message. This makes SOAP well-suited for enabling one computer to cause a server to execute code on behalf of the client.

FTP is about moving files, not running server-side code. HTTP simply transfers resources and doesn’t by itself define a mechanism for invoking remote functions, though it often carries SOAP or other RPC payloads. SMTP is for email and isn’t used for remote procedure calls.