The WCF stands for Windows Communication Foundation which is used to create a distributed and interoperable applications. WCF is an effective platform for developing service-oriented applications. WCF allows developers to create secure, reliable, and high profile development solutions that can be integrated across platforms and interoperate with existing investments.

Why use WCF?

The pros/benefits of using WCF:

•  WCF is an ideal option if we are planning to use .NET Framework 3.5.
•  It supports multiple protocols such as HTTP, TCP, Named pipe.
•  WCF service is useful if we want to build service with standards like Transactions Messaging security and Reliable Message Security.
•  We can use Request-Reply, One Way, and Duplex message exchange patterns with WCF.

The Characteristics of WCF

•  Highly configurable transports 
• Better options for serialization
•  Well-integrated with IIS 
•  Easy for self-hosting
•  Very rich metadata
•  Complex model for publication
•  Rich data contracts