2.2.3 Template Types

In general, each technical specification conforms to one of a set of document templates, based on the type of information that is conveyed by the associated protocol or structure:

  • Algorithm: Algorithms used in network communication.

  • Block: Generic message-based protocols.

  • Data Structure: Structures used by one or more algorithms or protocols.

  • File Structure: The formats of files used to convey information between systems.

  • HTTP: Protocols based on HTTP APIs, including RESTful and REST-like protocols.

  • RPC: Remote procedure call (RPC) method-based client/server protocols.

  • SOAP: Request/response protocols that are defined by using Web Services Description Language (WSDL).

  • Standards Support: Microsoft implementation conformance with an external standard.

The following sections provide general descriptions of these document templates. The template used for each technical specification in the Windows protocols documentation set is listed in Technical Specification Cross-Reference Matrix (section 4.1).