---
title: "Define WCF."  
description: "Define WCF."  
author: "Pedro Araez"  
published: 2020-02-07  
updated: 2020-02-07  
canonical: https://www.mindstick.com/forum/155796/define-wcf  
category: "wcf"  
tags: ["wcf"]  
reading_time: 1 minute  

---

# Define WCF.

Tell me about [WCF](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/513/introduction-to-wcf) with its characteristics, why we used it with example.

## Replies

### Reply by Nishi Tiwari

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?

![Define WCF.](https://www.mindstick.com/mindstickforums/9bb969b8-a73d-4e86-b798-ee925a49c57b/images/96115288-eb22-43d5-b2f4-2757bf0d0458.png)

## 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](https://www.mindstick.com/forum/155795/difference-between-wcf-and-web-api)** 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


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Original Source: https://www.mindstick.com/forum/155796/define-wcf

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