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# WSDL Introduction * * * WSDL is an XML-based language for describing Web Services and how to access them. * * * ## Prerequisites Before continuing, you need a basic understanding of the following: * XML * XML Namespaces * XML Schema If you wish to learn these topics first, please visit our (#). * * * ## What is WSDL? * WSDL stands for Web Services Description Language * WSDL is written in XML * WSDL is an XML document * WSDL is used to describe Web Services * WSDL can also be used to locate Web Services * WSDL is not yet a W3C standard * * * ## WSDL Describes Web Services WSDL stands for Web Services Description Language. WSDL is a document written in XML. This document describes a Web service. It specifies the location of the service and the operations (or methods) it provides. * * * ## History of WSDL at W3C In March 2001, WSDL 1.1 was submitted to the W3C XML Protocol Activity by IBM and Microsoft as a W3C note for describing Web Services. (W3C notes are for discussion only. The publication of a W3C note does not imply endorsement by the W3C, the W3C Team, or any W3C member.) In July 2002, W3C published the first WSDL 1.2 working draft. Read more about the specification's status and timeline in our (#).