In the realm of web development, REST, Web, and SOAP APIs represent three distinct approaches to enabling communication between systems over the internet, each with unique characteristics and applications. REST API, an architectural style rather than a protocol, offers flexibility by allowing various types of calls and data formats, often leveraging HTTP for web communication. Examples include Instagram, Twitter, and GitHub APIs. Web API, a broader concept not confined to a single technology, can be RESTful or not, and supports various protocols and formats; it is exemplified by Google, Twitter, and Facebook APIs. SOAP API, on the other hand, is a protocol-based system that uses XML for messaging and is known for its ability to handle operations across different operating systems, although it generally requires more bandwidth than REST APIs. While REST APIs are valued for their flexibility and efficiency, SOAP APIs are recognized for their standardized protocol, making them suitable for secure and complex transactions.