# File lib/action_web_service/container/direct_container.rb, line 42
        def web_service_api(definition=nil)
          if definition.nil?
            read_inheritable_attribute("web_service_api")
          else
            if definition.is_a?(Symbol)
              raise(ContainerError, "symbols can only be used for #web_service_api inside of a controller")
            end
            unless definition.respond_to?(:ancestors) && definition.ancestors.include?(ActionWebService::API::Base)
              raise(ContainerError, "#{definition.to_s} is not a valid API definition")
            end
            write_inheritable_attribute("web_service_api", definition)
            call_web_service_api_callbacks(self, definition)
          end
        end