Technology

A Complete Guide To API Testing And API Testers

What Is API?

API stands for App Programming Interface, which is a collection of routines and protocols that connect an application to the internet or other APIs. API allows two software applications to communicate with one another by acting as an interface. The API Tester like in all other testing aims to identify bugs that cause inconsistencies and deviations from expected behavior. The API tester is a Simple intuitive app with a very stylish and modern design. This app is made for people. This is a very user-friendly and beautiful interface and has all the functions you need. Using the API Tester, you can construct requests easily with a responsive native interface. There is autocomplete for most of the header keys. Provides support for GraphQL syntax. The application provides a way to explore documentation for your GraphQL API using provided metadata and allows users to execute queries using JSON-packed GraphQL.

It is important to continue testing to make sure everything works as it should. There are greater consequences to releasing a product that is not secure or good for the consumer. To successfully perform API Testing, you will need a tool to organize and manage your test cases. Also, you will need traceability of all requirements as well as effective documentation.

What Are The Requirements To Start API Testing?

You must first set up an environment for API testing. This should include the necessary parameters. This will require server and database configuration according to the application’s needs. After you have completed setting up your API testing environment, you can make an API call to confirm that nothing is broken before you move on to thorough testing. Start by combining your API test data with your application data. This will ensure that the API works as expected in relation to any known input configurations.

Next, organize the API testing. These questions will help you answer the following questions:

  • Who are your target audiences?
  • Who are the API users?
  • What environment(s) should an API be used in most?
  • What aspects are you testing?
  • What problems should we be testing?
  • Which are your top priorities when it comes to testing?
  • What should happen in normal circumstances?
  • What might happen in abnormal circumstances?
  • What criteria are used to determine whether a Pass or Fail is possible? What data are you looking for? What is the sequence of events?
  • What other APIs can this API interface with?
  • Which member of your team is responsible for testing what?
  • API Testing: How do you perform it?

The Methods For API Testing?

API testing is a type of integration testing. It is done to validate the API’s functionality, reliability, performance, and security. This testing involves the integrations that they allow and APIs. Software systems with multiple APIs are often subject to this testing. Apart from the usual SDLC process, API testing should include these testing methods:

5,505 Application Programming Interface Stock Photos, Pictures &  Royalty-Free Images - iStock
  • Discovery testing: The test team should execute the API calls manually. This could be something as simple as verifying that an API resource can be listed, created and deleted.
  • Usability Testing: This testing determines if the API is usable. Is the API compatible with other platforms?
  • Security Testing: This testing covers the required authentication and ensures that sensitive data is encrypted via HTTP.
  • Automated Testing: API Testing should allow the creation of a set of tools that can be used regularly to execute the API.
  • Documentation: The documentation is reviewed by the test team to ensure that it is accurate and contains enough information to allow users to use the API. Documentation should be included in the final deliverable.

API Testing Approach

API Testing is a type of Black Box Testing. It is performed by Quality Assurance Team. After the build is complete, this testing takes place. This testing does not include the source code.

This testing involves sending a request to the API. The API will analyze the response and provide:

  • Data accuracy
  • Status code for HTTP
  • Response time
  • API returns error codes for any errors
  • Authorization checks
  • Non-functional tests, such as security and performance, are also available.

What Types Of Bugs & Defects Does API Testing Detect?

API testing can detect many types of bugs that could cause poor product experience. Here are some of the most common bugs that API testing can easily detect:

Bugs Found In API Testing

These are the types and species of bugs that were found:

  • Duplicate functionality or missing functionality
  • Improper messaging
  • Incompatible error handling mechanism
  • Multi-threaded issues
  • Security, performance, and security issues
  • Reliability problems