API testing is the process of testing APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) and their interactions to ensure that they deliver the proper output. A lot of testers’ occasionally miss out on API testing while performing UI and functional testing. Such errors happen because of the complexity of finding bugs through the various connections between networks, databases, and systems.
Here are some simple tips for beginners to help them carry out API testing.
1) Document the API requirements
Before you carry out any testing, it is essential to document the purpose of the API and the application workflow. You should also record all integrations that the API supports, and the various functionalities as well as the features of the API. With such a document, it becomes easy to strategize the API testing process.
2) Determine if you have the correct API
You need to ensure that APIs in use are appropriate for the development of the application. For example, teams that work on geolocation and weather application development utilize weather APIs. If you are working on something similar, you can get better test results by choosing one of the APIs recommended by RapidAPI.
3) Identify the expected test results
Once you have well-defined requirements, you must finalize the expected output of the tests. Some outputs are binary, i.e., they have a pass or a fail status, while some tests may not have an output. Carrying out such an exercise makes it simpler for you to address any challenging test output.
4) Use small test cases
API testing brings the best results when you use small test cases. Doing so helps you gain a clearer understanding of whether you get an expected output or an unexpected one. After carrying out small tests, you can quickly put together the various API functions that gave successful test results.
5) Automate your testing procedure
Manual testing is a tedious affair. Automating the testing procedure speeds up your entire process. Using API test automation tools will help you get quicker results. Some of the factors to consider while choosing such a tool are:
– Does the testing tool support carrying out tests on the API/Web services that your application is using?
– Does the testing tool support the authorization methods your API uses?
– Does the testing tool support data-driven testing methods?
6) Carry out security testing
A lot of beginners underestimate or ignore security testing. Nowadays, hackers can quickly identify system vulnerabilities and exploit them. It is your job as a tester to carry out API security testing to ensure that the application under test is secure from external threats. One way to do this is to write tests that invoke the API functions without implementing appropriate security rights.
7) Define entry and exit points
You should define the entry and exit points of individual tests as well as the start and end of the entire testing process. Doing so helps determine how the API test performs. It also enables you to decide how to schedule upcoming tests.
Suggested Reading: Microsoft’s GitHub buys Pull Panda for effective collaboration among development teams
In Summary
Rigorous API testing is critical in this day and age of technology undergoing a shift in the direction of IoT and Artificial Intelligence. Following the above steps will help you as a beginner to get a handle on API testing. As a result, you will be able to test and deploy secure applications without compromising on quality.
