Chapter 1: Introduction to API Testing .............................................................

3
Chapter 2: Fundamentals of API Testing .......................................................... 5
Chapter 3: What to Test in API Testing ............................................................. 7
Chapter 4: Writing Effective API Test Cases .......................................................10
Chapter 5: Common API Testing Types .......................................................... 13
Chapter 6: API Testing Tools Overview .......................................................... 17
Chapter 7: Examples of API Test Cases .......................................................... 21
Chapter 8: API Testing with Postman ............................................................. 23
Chapter 9: API Testing with SoapUI ............................................................... 25
Chapter 10: API Testing with REST Assured ...................................................... 28
Chapter 11: Common API Testing Challenges and Solutions .................................. 33
Chapter 12: API Testing Common Error Codes .................................................. 36
Chapter 13: Advanced API Testing Techniques ................................................. 39
Chapter 14: Interview Preparation Tips and Questions ......................................... 42

Author Version Date

Inder P Singh 1.0 31 December 2024

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 Chapter 1: Introduction to API Testing
Q: What’s API testing, and why is it important?

A: API testing means testing Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to test if they work
as expected, meet performance standards, and handle errors. APIs handle the
communication between software systems, enabling them to exchange data and
functionality. API testing is important for the following reasons:

• Logic Validation: APIs can encapsulate the core business logic of an application. API
testing finds out if that logic works as intended.
• Cascading Effect Prevention: Since APIs often connect multiple systems, a failure in
one API can disrupt the entire system. For example, in an e-commerce system, if the API
managing payment processing fails, it can prevent order confirmations and impact
inventory updates, customer notifications, and financial records.
• Integration Validation: APIs handle the interactions between different systems. Testing
these interactions for correctness, reliability, performance and security is critical.
• Early Bug Detection: By testing APIs before the UI is complete, defects can be identified
earlier, reducing downstream issues.

Q: What’s the primary focus of API testing?

A: The primary focus areas include:

• Functionality: Testing if the API executes intended operations and returns accurate
responses. Example: A "getUserDetails" API should return the correct user details based
on the provided user ID.
• Performance: Validating the API’s speed and responsiveness under varying loads.
Example: Testing if the API responds within 300 ms when handling 100 simultaneous
requests.
• Security: Checking data protection, authentication, and authorization mechanisms.
Example: Ensuring unauthorized users cannot access restricted endpoints.
• Reliability: Confirming if the API delivers consistent results across multiple calls and
scenarios. Example: A weather API should always return the correct temperature for a
given city.

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Q: Is API testing considered functional or non-functional testing type?

A: API testing is generally categorized as functional testing because its main objective is to
validate if the API performs its expected functions accurately. However, API testing also
involves non-functional testing types, depending on the test scope:

• Performance Testing: To measure the API’s responsiveness and stability under different
conditions. Example: Load testing an API that handles ticket booking during a flash sale.
• Security Testing: To validate data confidentiality and access control mechanisms.
Example: Testing an API for vulnerabilities like SQL injection or unauthorized access.

Q: How does API testing differ from UI testing?

A: API testing focuses on the backend logic, while UI testing validates the user interface.
Their differences include:

Aspect API Testing UI Testing

Validates backend systems and
Scope Tests user interface interactions.
business logic.
Faster since it bypasses the
Speed Slower due to rendering processes.
graphical interface.
API tests are more stable; less
Prone to instability if UI elements
Reliability prone to flaky results caused by UI
change.
changes.
Verifying a “createOrder” API Testing if the “Place Order” button
Example
works correctly. functions properly.

Q: Does API testing come under integration testing or system testing test levels?

A: API testing is considered a part of integration testing because it validates how different
components or systems interact with each other. For example, Testing an API that bridges
a payment gateway with an e-commerce platform: The focus would be on testing the
correct and complete communication, accurate data exchange, and correct handling of
alternate workflows like declined payments.

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Q: Can API testing also fall under system testing test level?

A: Yes, API testing can be a part of system testing when it is used to validate end-to-end
workflows that involve APIs. For example, an order management system involves several
APIs for inventory, payment, and customer notification. System testing would involve
validating the entire order placement process, including all the APIs in the workflow.

Q: Why is classifying API testing important?

A: Classifying API testing determines the test scope and test approach for testing. For
example:

• For integration testing, focus on inter-component communication.

• For system testing, test the APIs as part of larger workflows to ensure end-to-end
functionality.

Chapter 2: Fundamentals of API Testing

Q: What are the key concepts in API testing that you know as an SDET, QA or manual tester?

A: API testing has the following key concepts:

• Endpoints: Endpoints are the URLs where APIs are accessed. Example: A weather API
endpoint might look like https://api.weather.com/v1/city/temperature. Tip:
You should always document endpoints clearly, including required parameters and
response formats.
• Requests and Methods: APIs use HTTP methods to perform operations. The common
ones are:
1. GET: Retrieve data. Example: Fetching user details with GET /user/{id}.
2. POST: Create new data. Example: Creating a new user with POST /user.
3. PUT: Update existing data. Example: Updating user details with PUT /user/{id}.
4. DELETE: Remove data. Example: Deleting a user with DELETE /user/{id}.
Tip: Verify that the API strictly adheres to the HTTP method conventions.

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• Request Payloads and Parameters: APIs often require input parameters or payloads to
function correctly:
1. Query Parameters: Added to the URL (e.g., ?userId=123).
2. Body Parameters: Sent in the request body (e.g., JSON payload for POST requests).
Tip: Validate edge cases for parameters, such as missing, invalid, or boundary values.
• Responses and Status Codes: API responses include data and status codes. Design
tests for all possible response scenarios, including success, error, and unexpected
responses. Common status codes are:
1. 200 OK: Successful request.
2. 201 Created: Resource successfully created.
3. 400 Bad Request: Client-side error.
4. 401 Unauthorized: Missing or invalid authentication.
5. 500 Internal Server Error: API failure.
• Headers: Headers carry metadata such as authentication tokens, content type, and
caching information. Example: Authorization: Bearer <token> for authenticated
APIs. Tip: Always validate headers for correctness and completeness.
• Assertions: Assertions validate the API's behavior by checking:
1. Response Status Codes: Validate if the expected codes are returned.
2. Response Body: Validate if the response data matches the expected format and
content.
3. Performance: Measure if the API responds within acceptable time limits.
Tip: Use libraries like REST Assured or Postman to implement assertions quickly.

Q: Why is API testing important in modern software development?

A: Modern software relies heavily on APIs for communication, making their reliability
paramount:

• APIs Drive Application Functionality: APIs implement the key features of applications,
like user authentication, data retrieval, and payment processing. Example: A banking
app’s core functionalities, such as checking account balances, transferring funds, and
viewing transaction history, are implemented with APIs.

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• Integration Testing: APIs connect multiple systems. Ensuring their proper integration
prevents cascading failures. Example: In a ride-sharing app, APIs for user location,
driver availability, and payment must work together correctly.
• Early Testing Opportunity: APIs can be tested as soon as they are developed, even
before the UI is ready. This enables early bug detection. Example: Testing an e-
commerce app’s POST /addToCart API before the cart UI is finalized.
• Microservices Architecture: Applications are composed of multiple independent
services connected via APIs. Testing APIs finds out if these services communicate
effectively. Example: A video streaming platform might use separate APIs for
authentication, video delivery, and recommendation engines.
• Scalability and Performance Assurance: APIs must be able to handle high traffic and
large datasets efficiently. Example: During a Black Friday sale, an e-commerce
platform’s APIs must manage thousands of concurrent users adding items to their carts.
• Cost Efficiency: API issues identified early are cheaper to fix than UI-related defects
discovered later.

Tips and Tricks for Testers:

• Use Mock Servers: Mock APIs allow you to test scenarios without using the ready APIs.
• Validate Negative Scenarios: Don’t just test happy paths; additionally test invalid
inputs, unauthorized access, and server downtime.
• Automate Tests: Automating repetitive API tests saves time for test coverage. Tools like
REST Assured and Postman can help you automate validations for different test
scenarios.
Note: You can follow me in LinkedIn for more practical information in Test Automation and
Software Testing at the link, https://www.linkedin.com/in/inderpsingh

Chapter 3: What to Test in API Testing

Q: How do you conduct functional testing of APIs?

A: Functional testing tests if the API performs its intended operations accurately and
consistently. It includes the following tests:

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• Endpoint Validation: Validate if the API endpoints respond to requests as expected.
Example: Testing if the GET /user/{id} endpoint retrieves the correct user details for
a given ID.
• Input Validation: Test how the API handles various input scenarios:
o Valid inputs.
o Invalid inputs (e.g., incorrect data types or missing required fields).
o Boundary values (e.g., maximum or minimum allowable input sizes).
Example: Testing an API that accepts a date range to ensure it rejects malformed dates
like 32-13-2025.
• Business Logic Testing: Validate that the API implements the defined business rules
correctly and completely. Example: For an e-commerce API, ensure the POST
/applyCoupon endpoint allows discounts only on eligible products.
• Dependency Validation: Test how APIs interact with other services. Example: If an API
triggers a payment gateway, test if the API handles responses like success, failure, and
timeout correctly.

Tip: Use tools like Postman to design and execute functional test cases effectively.
Automate repetitive tests with libraries like REST Assured for scalability.

Q: What do you validate in API responses?

A: Validating API responses involves validating the accuracy, structure, and completeness
of the data returned by the API.

• Status Codes: Confirm that the correct HTTP status codes are returned for each
scenario.
o 200 OK: For successful requests.
o 404 Not Found: When the requested resource does not exist.
o 500 Internal Server Error: For server-side failures.
• Response Body: Validate the structure and data types. Example: If the API returns user
details, validate if the response contains fields like name, email, and age with the
correct types (e.g., string, string, and integer).
• Schema Validation: Check if the API response matches the expected schema Tip: Use
schema validation tools like JSON Schema Validator to automate this process.

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• Data Accuracy: Test if the API returns correct and expected data. Example: Testing the
GET /product/{id} endpoint to verify that the price field matches the database
record for the product.
• Error Messages: Validate that error responses are descriptive, consistent, and secure.
Example: If a required parameter is missing, the API should return a clear error like
"Error: Missing parameter 'email'".

Tip: Include assertions for all fields in the response to avoid missed validations during
regression testing.

Q: How do you perform security testing for APIs?

A: Security testing focuses on protecting APIs from unauthorized access, data breaches,
and malicious attacks. Key test scenarios include:

• Authentication and Authorization: Test if the API enforces authentication (e.g., OAuth,
API keys). Verify role-based access control (RBAC). Example: A DELETE /user/{id}
endpoint should only be accessible to administrators.
• Input Sanitization: Check for vulnerabilities like SQL injection or cross-site scripting
(XSS). Example: Test input fields by submitting malicious payloads like '; DROP TABLE
users;-- to confirm if they are sanitized.
• Data Encryption: Test that sensitive data is encrypted during transmission (e.g., via
HTTPS). Example: Check if login credentials sent in a POST /login request are
transmitted securely over HTTPS.
• Rate Limiting: Validate that the API enforces rate limits to prevent abuse. Example: A
public API should reject excessive requests from the same IP with a 429 Too Many
Requests response.
• Token Expiry and Revocation: Test how the API handles expired or revoked
authentication tokens. Example: Test that a revoked token results in a 401
Unauthorized response.

Tip: Use tools like OWASP ZAP and Burp Suite to perform comprehensive API security testing.

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Q: What aspects of API performance do you test?

A: The API performance testing evaluates the speed, scalability, and reliability of APIs under
various conditions.

• Response Time: Measure how quickly the API responds to requests. Example: For a
weather API, test if the response time for GET /currentWeather is under 200ms.
• Load Testing: Test the API's behavior under normal and peak load conditions. Example:
Simulate 100 concurrent users hitting the POST /login endpoint to verify stability.
• Stress Testing: Determine the API's breaking point by testing it under extreme
conditions. Example: Gradually increase the number of requests to an API until it fails
to identify its maximum capacity.
• Spike Testing: Validate the API’s ability to handle sudden traffic surges. Example:
Simulate a flash sale scenario for an e-commerce API.
• Resource Usage: Monitor server resource usage (CPU, memory) during API tests.
Example: Confirm that the API doesn’t consume excessive memory during a batch
operation like POST /uploadBulkData.
• Caching Mechanisms: Test if the API effectively uses caching to improve response
times. Example: Validate if frequently requested resources like product images are
served from the cache.

Tip: Use tools like JMeter and Gatling for automated performance testing. Monitor metrics
like latency, throughput, and error rates to identify bottlenecks.

Note: In order to expand your professional network and share opportunities with each
other, you’re welcome to connect with me (Inder P Singh) in LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/in/inderpsingh

Chapter 4: Writing Effective API Test Cases

Q: What best practices for writing API test cases do you follow?

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A: Writing effective API test cases needs a methodical approach. Here are some best
practices:

• Understand the API Specification: Study the API documentation, including endpoint
definitions, request/response formats, and authentication mechanisms. Example: For
a GET /user/{id} API, understand its parameters (id), response structure, and
expected error codes.
• Identify Test Scenarios: Convert the API’s functionality into testable scenarios:
o Positive test cases: Validate the expected behavior for valid inputs.
o Negative test cases: Test if the API handles invalid inputs gracefully.
o Edge cases: Test boundary values to identify vulnerabilities.
Example: For a pagination API, test scenarios include valid page numbers, invalid
page numbers (negative values), and boundary values (e.g., maximum allowed page).

• Use a Modular Approach: Create reusable test scripts for common actions like
authentication or header validation. Example: Write a reusable function to generate a
valid authorization token for secure APIs.
• Use Assertions: Verify key aspects like status codes, response time, response structure,
and data accuracy. Example: Assert that the response time for GET /products is under
200ms.
• Automate Wherever Possible: Use tools like REST Assured or Postman to automate
test case execution for scalability and efficiency. Example: Automate regression tests
for frequently changing APIs to minimize manual effort.
• Prioritize test cases based on business impact and API complexity. High-priority features
should have extensive test coverage.

Q: How do you define inputs and expected outputs for API test cases?

A: Inputs:

• Define the parameters required by the API.

o Mandatory Parameters: Verify that all required fields are provided.
o Optional Parameters: Test the API behavior when optional parameters are
included or excluded.
• Test with various input types:

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 o Valid inputs: Proper data types and formats.
o Invalid inputs: Incorrect data types, missing fields, and null values.
• Example: For a POST /createUser API, inputs may include:
{
"name": "John Doe",
"email": "john.doe@example.com",
"age": 30
}

Expected Outputs:

• Define the expected API responses for various scenarios:

o Status Codes: Verify that the API returns correct HTTP status codes for each
scenario (e.g., 200 for success, 400 for bad request).
o Response Data: Specify the structure and values of the response body.
o Headers: Verify essential headers like Content-Type and Authorization.
• Example: For the POST /createUser API, the expected output for valid inputs might be:
{
"id": 101,
"message": "User created successfully."
}

Q: What's a well-structured API test case template?

A: A structured template enables writing test cases that are complete, reusable, and easy
to understand. Below is a suggested template:

Test Case Template:

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You can use tools like Excel, Jira, or test management software to document and track test
cases systematically.

Chapter 5: Common API Testing Types

Q: What’s Functional Testing in API testing?

A: Functional Testing validates if the API meets its specified functionality and produces the
correct output for given inputs. It tests if the API behaves as expected under normal and
edge-case scenarios.

Key Aspects to Test:

• Validation of Endpoints: Test that each endpoint performs its intended functionality.
Example: A GET /user/{id} API should fetch user details corresponding to the
provided ID.

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• Input Parameters: Test required, optional, and invalid parameters. Example: For a POST
/login API, validate behavior when required parameters like username or password are
missing.
• Response Validations: Verify the response codes, headers, and body. Example: Assert
that Content-Type is application/json for API responses.

Tips for API Functional Testing:

• Use data-driven testing to validate multiple input combinations.

• Automate functional tests with tools like REST Assured or Postman for efficiency.

Q: What’s API Load Testing?

A: Load Testing assesses the API’s performance under normal and high traffic to test if it
handles expected user loads without degradation.

Steps to Perform Load Testing:

• Set the Benchmark: According to the API performance requirements, define the
expected number of concurrent users or requests per second. Example: An e-
commerce API might need to handle 500 concurrent product searches.
• Simulate the Load: Use tools like JMeter or Locust to generate virtual users. Example:
Simulate 200 users simultaneously accessing the GET /products endpoint.
• Monitor Performance Metrics: Track response time, throughput, and server resource
utilization. Example: Verify that response time stays below 1 second and CPU usage
remains under 80%.

Common Issues Identified:

• Slow response times due to inefficient database queries.

• Server crashes under high load.

Tips for Load Testing:

• Test with both expected and peak traffic to prepare for usage spikes.
• Use realistic data to simulate production-like scenarios.

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Q: Why is Security Testing important for APIs?

A: APIs can be targets for malicious attacks, so Security Testing tests if they are protected
against vulnerabilities and unauthorized access.

Important Security Tests:

• Authentication and Authorization: Verify secure implementation of mechanisms like

OAuth2 or API keys. Example: Ensure a user with user role cannot access admin-level
resources.
• Input Validation: Check for injection vulnerabilities like SQL injection or XML External
Entity (XXE) attacks. Example: Test the API with malicious payloads such as "' OR 1=1-
-".
• Encryption and Data Privacy: Validate that sensitive data is encrypted during transit
using HTTPS. Example: Ensure Authorization headers are not logged or exposed.
• Rate Limiting and Throttling: Test whether APIs restrict the number of requests to
prevent abuse. Example: A GET /data endpoint should return a 429 Too Many
Requests error after exceeding the request limit.

Tips for Security Testing:

• Use tools like OWASP ZAP and Burp Suite for vulnerability scanning.
• Include both manual and automated security tests for more test coverage.

Q: What’s Interoperability Testing in API testing?

A: Interoperability Testing tests if the API work correctly with other systems, platforms, and
applications.

Steps to Perform Interoperability Testing:

• Validate Protocol Compatibility: Check API compatibility across HTTP/HTTPS, SOAP,

or gRPC protocols. Example: Test that a REST API supports both JSON and XML response
formats, if required.

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• Integration Scenarios: Test interactions between APIs and third-party services.
Example: Verify that a payment API integrates correctly with a third-party gateway like
Stripe.
• Cross-Platform Testing: Test API accessibility across different operating systems,
browsers, or devices. Example: Verify that the API has consistent behavior when
accessed via Windows, Linux, or macOS.

Common Issues:

• Inconsistent response formats between systems.

• Compatibility issues due to different versions of an API.

Tips for Interoperability Testing:

• Use mock servers to simulate third-party APIs during testing.

• Validate response handling for various supported data formats (e.g., JSON, XML).

Q: What’s Contract Testing in API testing?

A: Contract Testing tests if the API adheres to agreed-upon specifications between providers
(backend developers) and consumers (frontend developers or external systems).

Steps to Perform Contract Testing:

• Define the Contract: Use specifications like OpenAPI (Swagger) to document expected
request/response structures. Example: A GET /users API contract may specify that id
is an integer and name is a string.
• Validate Provider Implementation: Verify the API provider adheres to the defined
contract. Example: Verify that all fields in the contract are present in the actual API
response.
• Test Consumer Compatibility: Verify that consumers can successfully interact with
the API as per the contract. Example: Check that a frontend application can parse and
display data from the API correctly.

Common Tools for Contract Testing:

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• PACT: A widely-used framework for consumer-driven contract testing.
• Postman: For validating API responses against schema definitions.

Tips for Contract Testing:

• Treat contracts as living documents and update them for every API change.
• Automate contract testing in CI/CD pipelines to detect issues early.

In order to stay updated and view the latest tutorials, subscribe to my Software and Testing
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Chapter 6: API Testing Tools Overview

Q: What’s Postman, and why is it popular for API testing?

A: Postman is a powerful API testing tool that has a user-friendly interface for designing,
executing, and automating API test cases. It’s widely used because it supports various API
types (REST, SOAP, GraphQL) and enables both manual and automated testing.

Features of Postman:

• Collections and Requests: Organize test cases into collections for reusability.
Example: Group all CRUD (meaning Create, Read, Update and Delete) operations (POST,
GET, PUT, DELETE) for a user API in a collection.
• Environment Management: Use variables to switch between different environments
like development, staging, and production. Example: Define {{base_url}} for
different environments to avoid hardcoding endpoints.
• Built-in Scripting: Use JavaScript for pre-request and test scripts to validate API
responses. Example: Use assertions like
pm.expect(response.status).to.eql(200);.
• Automated Testing with Newman: Run collections programmatically in CI/CD
pipelines using Newman, Postman’s CLI tool.

Few Best Practices for Using Postman:

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• Use Version Control: Export and version collections in Git to track changes.
• Data-Driven Testing: Use CSV/JSON files for parameterizing tests to cover multiple
scenarios. Example: Test the POST /register API with various user data combinations.
• Documentation: Generate API documentation directly from Postman collections for
seamless collaboration.

Q: What’s SoapUI, and how does it differ from Postman?

A: SoapUI is a comprehensive API testing tool designed for SOAP and REST APIs. Unlike
Postman, which is more user-friendly, SoapUI provides advanced features for functional,
security, and load testing, making it more suitable for complex enterprise-level APIs.

Steps to Get Started with SoapUI:

• Install SoapUI: Download and install the free version (SoapUI Open Source) or the
licensed version (ReadyAPI) for advanced features.
• Create a Project: Import API specifications like WSDL (for SOAP) or OpenAPI (for REST)
to create a test project. Example: Load a WSDL file to test a SOAP-based payment
processing API.
• Define Test Steps: Create test cases with multiple steps such as sending requests,
validating responses, and chaining steps Example: For a login API, test POST /login
and validate that the token from the response is used in subsequent API calls.
• Use Assertions: Use built-in assertions for validating response status codes, time, and
data. Example: Check if the <balance> field in a SOAP response equals $1000.

Advanced Features:

• Data-Driven Testing: Integrate external data sources like Excel or databases.

• Security Testing: Test for vulnerabilities like SQL injection.
• Load Testing: Simulate concurrent users to evaluate API performance.

Best Practices for SoapUI:

• Use Groovy scripting to create custom logic for complex scenarios.

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• Automate test execution by integrating SoapUI with Jenkins or other Continuous
Integration (CI) tools.
• Check that WSDL or API specifications are always up to date to avoid testing obsolete
APIs.

Q: What’s REST Assured, and why is it preferred by SDETs?

A: REST Assured is a Java library that simplifies writing automated tests for REST APIs. It
integrates with popular testing frameworks like JUnit and TestNG, making it useful for SDETs
familiar with Java.

How to Get Started with REST Assured:

• Set Up REST Assured: Add the REST Assured dependency in your Maven pom.xml or
Gradle build file. Example (Maven):

• Write Basic Tests: Create a test class and use REST Assured methods to send API
requests and validate responses. Example:

import io.restassured.RestAssured;
import static io.restassured.RestAssured.*;
import static org.hamcrest.Matchers.*;
// connect with me in LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/inderpsingh

public class ApiTest {

@Test
public void testGetUser() {
given().
baseUri("https://api.example.com").
when().
get("/user/1").
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 then().
assertThat().
statusCode(200).
body("name", equalTo("John Doe"));
}
}

• Parameterization: Use dynamic query or path parameters for flexible testing. Example:
Pass userId dynamically:

given().
pathParam("id", 1).
when().
get("/user/{id}").
then().
statusCode(200);

• Chaining Requests: Chain API calls for end-to-end scenarios. Example: Use the token
from a login response in subsequent calls.

Why Use REST Assured?

• Combines test case logic and execution in a single programming environment.

• Provides support for validations, including JSON and XML paths.
• Simplifies testing for authentication mechanisms like OAuth2, Basic Auth, etc.

Best Practices for REST Assured:

• Follow Framework Design Principles: Integrate REST Assured into a test automation
framework for reusability and scalability. Use Page Object Model (POM) for API
resources.
• Log API Requests and Responses: Enable logging to debug issues during test execution.
Example:
RestAssured.enableLoggingOfRequestAndResponseIfValidationFails();

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 Chapter 7: Examples of API Test Cases
Q: What are some examples of common API test cases?

A: Here are examples of API test cases for commonly encountered scenarios:

• Validation of Response Status Code: Test that the API returns the correct HTTP status
code. Example: For a successful GET /user/123 request, the status code should be
200. Tip: Include negative test cases like checking for 404 for non-existent resources.
• Response Time Verification: Test that the API response time is within the acceptable
limit. Example: For GET /products, the API should respond in less than 500ms. Tip:
Automate response time checks for frequent monitoring.
• Header Validation: Test if required headers are present in the API response. Example:
Verify the Content-Type header is application/json. Tip: Include test cases where
headers like Authorization are mandatory.
• Pagination: Test that the API returns correct paginated results. Example: For GET
/users?page=2&size=10, ensure the response contains exactly 10 users from page 2.
Tip: Validate totalPages or totalItems fields, if available.
• Error Messages and Codes: Test appropriate error codes and messages are returned
for invalid inputs. Example: Sending an invalid userId should return 400 with the
message, "Invalid user ID". Tip: Test for edge cases like sending null or special
characters.

Q: Can you provide sample test cases for authentication and authorization APIs?

A: Authentication and authorization are important components of secure APIs. Below are a
few test cases:

• Positive Case: Valid Login Credentials: Test that a valid username and password
returns a 200 status with a token in the response. Example:
Request:
POST /login
{ "username": "testuser", "password": "password123" }

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 Response:
{ "token": "abc123xyz" }
Validate token structure (e.g., length, format, expiration).

• Negative Case: Invalid Credentials: Test that the invalid credentials return 401
Unauthorized. Example:
Request:
{ "username": "testuser", "password": "wrongpass" }
Response:
{ "error": "Invalid credentials" }

• Token Expiry Validation: Test that expired tokens return 401 Unauthorized or a similar
error. Tip: Check token expiration logic by simulating delayed requests.
• Role-Based Authorization: Test that users with insufficient permissions are denied
access. Example: Admin user can POST /createUser. Guest user attempting the
same returns 403 Forbidden.
• Logout Validation: Test that the POST /logout endpoint invalidates tokens,
preventing further use. Example: After logout, GET /user should return 401
Unauthorized.

Q: What are example test cases for CRUD operations?

A: CRUD operations (Create, Read, Update, Delete) are basic in API testing. Below are
the examples:

• Create (POST): Test Case: Validate successful creation of a resource.

• Read (GET): Test Case: Verify fetching an existing resource returns correct details.
• Update (PUT): Test Case: Validate updating an existing resource works as expected.
• Partial Update (PATCH): Test Case: Confirm PATCH allows partial updates.
• Delete (DELETE): Test Case: Validate successful deletion of a resource.
• Tips for CRUD Testing:
o Use mock data for test environments to avoid corrupting production systems.
o Check database states post-operations for consistency.
o Validate cascading deletes for related entities.

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Want to learn Test Automation, Software Testing and other topics? Take free courses for
QA on my Software Testing Space blog at https://inderpsingh.blogspot.com/p/qa-
course.html

Chapter 8: API Testing with Postman

Q: How do you set up Postman for API testing?

A: Setting up Postman for API testing is straightforward with the following steps:

• Download and Install Postman: Visit Postman’s official website and download the
application. It’s available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Create an Account: Sign up for a free account to sync your collections and settings
across devices.
• Set Up a Workspace Create a new workspace to organize your API projects. Example:
Use a dedicated workspace for a specific project like E-Commerce APIs.
• Import API Specifications: If your API provides a Swagger or OpenAPI specification,
import it into Postman. Tip: Use the "Import" button to upload JSON/YAML files or
provide the URL of the API specification.
• Set Up Environment Variables: Define environments (e.g., Development, QA,
Production) with variables like {{baseUrl}} or {{authToken}}.Example:
o Development: baseUrl = https://dev-api.example.com
o Production: baseUrl = https://api.example.com
Tip: Use Postman’s built-in "Environment" feature to switch contexts easily.
• Test API Connectivity: Send a basic GET request to an endpoint using the configured
base URL. Example: GET {{baseUrl}}/health should return a 200 OK response.

Q: How can you write test scripts in Postman to automate validations?

A: Postman allows writing test scripts using JavaScript to automate checks on API
responses. Below are examples:
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• Basic Assertions: Example: Validate the response status code:
pm.test("Status code is 200", function () {
pm.response.to.have.status(200);
});
• Response Body Validation: Example: Verify a specific field in the response body.
pm.test("Verify user name", function () {
const responseData = pm.response.json();
pm.expect(responseData.name).to.eql("John Doe");
});
• Header Validation: Example: Test that the Content-Type header is correct.
pm.test("Content-Type is JSON", function () {
pm.response.to.have.header("Content-Type", "application/json");
});
• Dynamic Data Handling: Example: Extract values from one API response and use them
in another request.
pm.environment.set("authToken", pm.response.json().token);
• Chaining Requests: Automate a workflow by chaining multiple API calls. Example: Use
the extracted authToken in subsequent requests.
• Error Handling and Debugging: Use try-catch blocks for complex scripts to handle
exceptions gracefully.
try {
// Validation logic
} catch (e) {
console.error("Error in script: ", e.message);
}

Q: How do you create and manage test collections in Postman?

A: Collections in Postman are a way to organize and automate API tests.

• Creating a New Collection: Use the "New Collection" button to group related API
requests. Example: Create a collection named User Management APIs to store
endpoints like GET /users, POST /users, etc.
• Organizing Requests into Folders: Use folders within a collection to categorize
requests.Example:

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 a. Authentication: POST /login, POST /logout
b. User Operations: GET /users, PUT /users/{id}
• Adding Test Cases to Collections: For each request in a collection, write test scripts
to automate validations.
• Setting Up Pre-request Scripts: Use pre-request scripts to handle prerequisites for
API calls. Example: Automatically add the authToken to request headers.
pm.request.headers.add({ key: "Authorization", value: `Bearer
${pm.environment.get("authToken")}` });
• Running Collections: Use Postman’s "Collection Runner" to execute all requests in a
collection sequentially Example: Automate the execution of all CRUD operations for
user management.
• Generating Reports: Use tools like Newman (Postman’s command-line tool) to execute
collections and generate reports. Command:
newman run UserManagementCollection.postman_collection.json -e
DevEnvironment.postman_environment.json -r html

Tips for Effective Test Collections:

• Regularly update collections to reflect API changes.

• Use descriptive names for requests and variables.
• Share collections with your team members for reuse.

Chapter G: API Testing with SoapUI

Q: What’s SoapUI? Why is it used for API testing?

A: SoapUI is a popular tool for functional, performance, and security testing of APIs. It
supports both SOAP and RESTful web services. Its features include an user-friendly
graphical interface, assertion mechanisms, and the ability to create reusable test cases
and automated workflows.

Advantages of SoapUI:

• Ease of Use: Its user-friendly GUI simplifies API testing, even for manual testers.

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• Support for SOAP and REST: Suitable for testing legacy SOAP-based services and
modern REST APIs.
• Advanced Assertions: Includes out-of-the-box assertions for validating response
content, structure, and status codes.
• Data-Driven Testing: Allows parameterizing tests using data from external sources like
Excel or databases.
• Integration Support: Works well with CI/CD tools like Jenkins.

Q: How do you create and manage test cases in SoapUI?

A: Follow these steps to write effective API test cases in SoapUI:

• Setting Up a New Project:

o Open SoapUI and create a new project by selecting File > New SOAP Project or
New REST Project.
o For REST APIs, enter the base URL of the API to auto-generate endpoints.
o Example: Use https://api.example.com as the base URL for a REST project.
• Adding Test Suites and Test Cases:
o Right-click on the project and select New TestSuite to organize your tests.
o Within the TestSuite, create TestCases for individual API endpoints.
• Configuring Requests:
o Add requests to each TestCase by selecting the specific HTTP method (GET,
POST, PUT, DELETE). Example: Add a POST /users request for creating a new
user with payload:
{
"name": "Jane Doe",
"email": "jane.doe@example.com"
}
• Adding Assertions: Use assertions to validate the API response. Example:
o Status Assertion: Verify the response code is 200.
o JSONPath Assertion: Validate specific fields in the response:
$.email == "jane.doe@example.com"
• Data-Driven Testing: Parameterize requests with data from external sources.
• Tips for Writing Effective Test Cases:
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 o Group related requests in a single TestSuite for better organization.
o Use descriptive names for TestCases and TestSteps to improve readability.

Q: How do you automate API testing workflows in SoapUI?

A: SoapUI has several features to automate API testing, making it suitable for CI/CD
pipelines.

• Test Steps and Execution Flow: Add Test Steps to a TestCase, such as:
o HTTP Requests
o Property Transfers
o Groovy Scripts (for advanced logic)
o Example: Chain a POST /login request to authenticate and pass the
authToken to subsequent requests.
• Groovy Scripting for Custom Logic:
o Use Groovy scripts for advanced scenarios like extracting dynamic tokens or
performing calculations.
o Example: Extract an authToken and add it to a header for the next request:
def jsonResponse = new
groovy.json.JsonSlurper().parseText(context.response)
testRunner.testCase.setPropertyValue("authToken",
jsonResponse.token)
• Running TestSuites in Bulk: Use the Test Runner feature to execute multiple
TestSuites sequentially or in parallel. Example: Test an entire microservices
architecture by running all its TestSuites.
• Integration with CI/CD Pipelines: Export SoapUI projects as .xml files and integrate
them with Jenkins or other CI/CD tools. Use the testrunner command-line utility to
execute tests:
testrunner.sh -sTestSuite1 -cTestCase1 -r -f ./results MyProject.xml
• Generating Reports: SoapUI generates detailed test execution reports, including
passed/failed test cases and response times. Export reports in formats like HTML or
XML for further analysis.

Best Practices for Automation:

• Use reusable properties for dynamic data across TestSuites.

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• Schedule automated test runs to catch regressions early.
• Regularly update TestCases to reflect changes in the API.

If you like my document, you’re welcome to Follow me or better, Connect with me (Inder P
Singh) in LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/inderpsingh

Chapter 10: API Testing with REST Assured

Q: What’s REST Assured, and why is it popular for API testing?

A: REST Assured is a Java library designed for testing RESTful APIs. It simplifies HTTP request
handling and response validation, integrating with existing Java test frameworks like JUnit or
TestNG. REST Assured is particularly useful for automating end-to-end API tests, including
functional, integration, and regression testing.

Advantages of REST Assured:

• Fluent API Design: Uses an intuitive syntax for writing API tests.
• Built-in Validation: Includes powerful methods for validating HTTP status codes,
response headers, and payloads.
• Support for JSON and XML: Effortlessly handles JSONPath and XMLPath expressions.
• Integration Ready: Works well with Maven and CI/CD pipelines.
• Authentication Mechanisms: Supports OAuth, Basic, and Token-based authentication.

Q: How do you set up REST Assured and write your first test script?

A: Follow these steps to start using REST Assured for API testing:

• Setting Up REST Assured:

• Add REST Assured dependencies to your Maven project.

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 • For TestNG, include the TestNG dependency:

• Writing Your REST Assured Test Script: Example: Test a GET /users endpoint.

Download for reference †

⬛ Like Share ³
• Components of REST Assured Scripts:
o Base URI: The API’s base URL (e.g., https://api.example.com).
o HTTP Methods: Supports all methods like GET, POST, PUT, DELETE.
o Headers: Specify content types like application/json.
o Payloads: Use .body() for sending JSON/XML payloads in POST and PUT
requests.

Q: How do you test a POST /login API that requires a JSON payload?

A: Example script:

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Q: How does REST Assured validate JSON responses?

A: REST Assured supports JSONPath for validating JSON structures and values.

• Basic Validation with JSONPath: Example: Test a GET /products API.

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• JSON Assertions: Validate arrays and complex structures:
List<String> productNames =
response.jsonPath().getList("data.name");
Assert.assertTrue(productNames.contains("Laptop"));
/* View the tutorials that you need in my Software and Testing Training
channel (340 tutorials) */

Q: How does REST Assured validate XML responses?

A: Use XMLPath for validating XML structures.

• Basic XML Validation: Example: Test an API that returns XML.

• Handling Namespaces: Include namespaces for XML:

Best Practices for Validations:

• Use Assertions: Always validate status codes, headers, and response times.

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• Parameterize Inputs: Avoid hardcoding input values to enhance test reusability.
• Schema Validation: Use REST Assured’s matchesXSD or matchesJSONSchema
methods to validate response structures against schemas.

Chapter 11: Common API Testing Challenges and

Solutions
Q: What are some of the common issues encountered during API testing, and how can they
be debugged?

A: API testing involves testing interactions between systems, and errors often arise from
various layers of the application. Here are the common issues and strategies to debug them:

• Invalid Endpoints or URLs:

o Issue: Incorrect API endpoints lead to 404 Not Found or connection errors.
o Solution: Double-check the API documentation for correct endpoints and verify
configurations in the test scripts. Use tools like Postman to confirm the endpoint
works before automating.
• Incorrect Headers:
o Issue: Missing or invalid headers, such as Content-Type or Authorization,
can cause 400 Bad Request or authentication failures.
o Solution: Add necessary headers explicitly and validate their formats. Debug the
request using tools like Postman or network traffic analyzers like Fiddler.
• Improper Authentication:
o Issue: Failure in authentication mechanisms like OAuth or API keys results in 401
Unauthorized or 403 Forbidden.
o Solution: Ensure the authentication tokens or keys are valid and refreshed when
expired. Automate token generation if possible to prevent manual errors.
• Malformed Payloads:
o Issue: Invalid JSON/XML payload structures lead to 400 Bad Request or parsing
errors.
o Solution: Validate payloads against schema definitions using tools like JSON
Schema Validator or XML Schema Validator.

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• Intermittent Failures:
o Issue: Flaky tests due to server timeouts or race conditions.
o Solution: Implement retry logic with exponential backoff in the test scripts. Use
appropriate delays between requests to simulate realistic user interactions.
• Third-party API Failures:
o Issue: External dependencies might be unavailable or return unexpected
responses.
o Solution: Use mock servers to simulate third-party responses during testing.
Tools like WireMock or Mockoon can help isolate testing from external
dependencies.

Q: Why is error handling important in API testing, and how should it be implemented?

A: Robust error handling allows your tests to remain reliable and provide meaningful
feedback. Ignoring errors or failing to handle edge cases can lead to incomplete testing or
missed defects.

Steps for Effective Error Handling:

• Categorize Errors: Identify common error types, such as 4xx client errors, 5xx server
errors, or connection timeouts. Example: Test scenarios for invalid data inputs,
unauthorized access, and server unavailability.
• Log Detailed Information: Include request details (method, endpoint, headers,
payload) and response information (status code, body) in the test logs. Example:
if (response.getStatusCode() != 200) {
System.out.println("Request Failed: " + response.prettyPrint());
}
• Validate Responses for Error Scenarios: Write test cases to ensure that APIs return
correct error codes and messages for invalid inputs or edge cases. Example: Testing a
POST /users API with missing required fields:

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• Retry Logic for Timeouts: Implement retry mechanisms for APIs that may get transient
failures. Example:

• Simulate Failure Scenarios: Use mocking tools to simulate network errors, latency, or
invalid responses.

Q: What are the best practices for maintaining API test suites over time?

A: Maintaining a test suite is needed for the longevity and reliability of your API testing
framework. Follow these best practices to achieve a robust and scalable suite:

• Organize Test Cases: Group tests logically (e.g., by functionality, endpoints, or

priority). Use descriptive names for test cases and methods. Example: Organize tests
for authentication, CRUD operations, and edge cases in separate modules.
• Parameterize Tests: Avoid hardcoding values like URLs, credentials, or test data. Use
configuration files or environment variables. Example:
RestAssured.baseURI = System.getenv("API_BASE_URL");

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• Implement Reusable Components: Use helper methods or classes for repetitive tasks
like authentication, response parsing, or payload generation. Example:
public String getAuthToken() {
// Logic to fetch token
}
• Version Control and CI/CD Integration: Store test scripts in version control systems
like Git to track changes. Integrate the test suite into CI/CD pipelines to execute tests
automatically on each build.
• Update Tests Regularly: Revise test cases as APIs evolve. Keep test data and
assertions in sync with updated API contracts.
• Monitor Test Metrics: Track execution times, failure rates, and skipped tests to identify
bottlenecks or flaky tests.
• Use Mock APIs for Stability: For unstable environments or third-party APIs, use mock
APIs to avoid dependency issues.
• Implement Assertions Effectively: Include multiple assertions for validating status
codes, headers, and response payloads in a single test.
• Optimize Test Execution: Parallelize tests to reduce execution time. Use tools like
TestNG for test suite configuration.
• Document the Test Suite: Maintain meaningful documentation for each test case,
including its purpose, inputs, and expected outcomes.

Chapter 12: API Testing Common Error Codes

Q: What are HTTP status codes, and why are they important in API testing?

A: HTTP status codes are three-digit numbers returned by a server in response to a client's
request. They indicate whether the request was successful, encountered an error, or
requires further action. Understanding and validating status codes is basic in API testing as
they form the foundation of API response validation.

Categories of HTTP Status Codes:

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• 1xx (Informational): Indicate that the request has been received and the process is
continuing. Example: 100 Continue, 101 Switching Protocols.
• 2xx (Success): Indicate that the request was successfully received, understood, and
accepted. Example:
i. 200 OK: Successful request.
ii. 201 Created: Resource successfully created.
• 3xx (Redirection): Indicate further action is needed to complete the request. Example:
i. 301 Moved Permanently: Resource has been moved.
ii. 302 Found: Resource temporarily located elsewhere.
• 4xx (Client Errors): Indicate issues caused by the client. Example:
i. 400 Bad Request: Invalid syntax or request.
ii. 401 Unauthorized: Authentication required.
iii. 404 Not Found: Resource not found.
• 5xx (Server Errors): Indicate issues on the server side. Example:
i. 500 Internal Server Error: Generic server error.
ii. 503 Service Unavailable: Server temporarily overloaded or under
maintenance.

Q: What are the common error codes in APIs, and how can they be handled effectively?

A: Common error codes provide insights into issues and help testers validate the behavior
of the API under different scenarios.

• 400 Bad Request:

a. Cause: Invalid request format or missing required parameters.
b. Handling: Validate input formats, enforce proper schema validation, and include
error messages in API responses.
c. Example Test: Send an incomplete payload and verify that the API returns 400
with an appropriate error message.
• 401 Unauthorized:
a. Cause: Missing or invalid authentication credentials.
b. Handling: Ensure tokens are correctly generated and sent. Automate token
refresh processes where applicable.
c. Example Test: Omit the Authorization header and verify that the response
includes 401 Unauthorized.

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• 403 Forbidden:
a. Cause: Lack of proper permissions to access the resource.
b. Handling: Implement role-based access control testing to validate user
permissions.
c. Example Test: Log in as a user without admin rights and attempt to access
restricted endpoints.
• 404 Not Found:
a. Cause: Invalid endpoint or non-existent resource.
b. Handling: Validate API documentation for correct endpoint paths and provide
detailed error responses for invalid resource requests.
c. Example Test: Call a non-existent endpoint and verify that 404 is returned with a
descriptive error message.
• 500 Internal Server Error:
a. Cause: Unhandled exceptions or server misconfigurations.
b. Handling: Monitor logs and implement proper exception handling in the API code.
Ensure graceful degradation under unexpected conditions.
c. Example Test: Provide unexpected payload values to trigger server-side
validation and confirm that errors are logged but not exposed in the response.
• 503 Service Unavailable:
a. Cause: Server overload or maintenance.
b. Handling: Implement retry mechanisms in test cases and use mock servers
during downtime.
c. Example Test: Test API response when the server is deliberately brought down,
ensuring 503 is returned.

Q: How do you design test scenarios to validate API error responses effectively?

A: Error scenarios should be created to test both expected and edge case behaviors. Below
are common approaches to designing error validation test scenarios:

• Invalid Inputs: Test the API with invalid data types, missing required fields, or exceeding
character limits. Example: Sending a string where an integer is expected should return
400 Bad Request.

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• Unauthorized Access: Test scenarios for missing, invalid, or expired authentication
tokens. Example: Attempt API calls without an Authorization header to validate 401
Unauthorized.
• Resource Access Errors: Test with IDs of resources that don’t exist or ones the user has
no permission to access. Example: Use a non-existent user ID in a GET /users/{id}
API and validate the 404 response.
• Rate Limiting: Simulate multiple requests in a short duration to validate the API's rate-
limiting mechanism. Example: Send 100 requests per second to verify the 429 Too Many
Requests response.
• Boundary Conditions: Test boundary values for input parameters. Example: For an API
accepting age values between 0-100, test with -1, 0, 100, and 101 to validate proper
error handling.
• Invalid Endpoints: Test with incorrect API paths or endpoints. Example: Call /getdata
instead of /data and verify the 404 response.
• Service Downtime: Simulate API unavailability by shutting down the service or using a
mock. Example: Validate the 503 response when the API is unreachable.
• Payload Tampering: Modify payloads during transmission to check for integrity and
validation. Example: Tamper with a JSON payload and verify the response is a 400 Bad
Request.

Read Test Automation and QA articles with code on my Software Testing Space blog.

Chapter 13: Advanced API Testing Techniques

Q: What’s parameterization in API testing? Why is it important to you?

A: Data parameterization means testing an API with different sets of input test data without
hardcoding values in the test scripts. It allows test coverage and validation of the API's
response under different conditions. This technique is useful in testing APIs that accept
variable inputs, such as query parameters or JSON payloads.

Q: How do you implement parameterization in API testing?

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A: Parameterization is implemented using tools and techniques like:

• Data Files: Use CSV, Excel, or JSON files to store input data.
• Tool Support: Tools like Postman, SoapUI, or REST Assured provide built-in capabilities
for data-driven testing.
• Scripting: Write scripts in programming languages like Python or Java to loop through
test data.
Example in Postman:

• Create a data file (e.g., data.json):

[
{ "username": "user1", "password": "pass1" },
{ "username": "user2", "password": "pass2" }
]
• Use Postman’s collection runner to iterate over the data.

Tips for Parameterization:

• Use meaningful test datasets that cover edge test cases.

• Avoid repetitive values unless testing for load.
• Organize test data to separate valid, invalid, and boundary values.

Q: What are API mocking and stubbing? How do these help in API testing?

A: Mocking and stubbing means creating simulated versions of APIs to test client behavior
when real APIs are unavailable or incomplete.

• Mocking: Simulates an API's functionality with predefined responses.

• Stubbing: Returns a fixed response for a particular request without actual processing.

Q: When do you use API mocking or stubbing?

A: Mocking (see SoapUI example here) can be used in the following situations:

• Dependency Isolation: If the dependent API is not ready.

• Cost Constraints: To avoid charges for invoking external APIs.
• Error Scenarios: Simulate specific errors, like 500 Internal Server Error.
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Q: How do you mock or stub APIs?

A:

• Postman: Create mock servers with predefined responses.

• SoapUI: Use virtual services to simulate APIs.
• WireMock: Simulate HTTP-based APIs programmatically.
• Programmatic Approach: Write stubs using frameworks like Node.js, Python’s Flask,
or Java’s Spring Boot.

Example Mocking with Postman:

• Go to Postman > Mock Servers > Create Mock Server.

• Define an endpoint and a sample response.
• Replace the base URL in the client application with the mock server’s URL.

Tips for Mocking and Stubbing:

• Document the mocked endpoints and responses clearly.

• Use realistic data to replicate production behavior.
• Regularly update mocks to reflect actual API changes.

Q: How does continuous integration (CI) enhance API testing?

A: CI enables the API tests to be automatically executed whenever new code is integrated.
It provides immediate feedback on the stability of APIs, reducing the chances of defects
escaping to production.

Q: How do you integrate API testing into a CI pipeline?

A: This process typically includes:

1. Version Control Integration: Store API test scripts in repositories like GitHub or
GitLab.
2. CI Tools: Use CI/CD platforms such as Jenkins, GitLab CI, or CircleCI to automate the
execution of tests.

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3. Test Execution: Configure the CI pipeline to trigger API tests on code commits or
merges.
4. Report Generation: Generate and store detailed test reports for analysis.

Example with Jenkins:

1. Create a Jenkins job.

2. Use tools like Newman (Postman’s CLI) or REST Assured to execute API tests.
3. Configure post-build actions to publish results.

Q: What are the components of a robust CI pipeline for API testing?

A: The key components of an API testing pipeline are:

• Environment Setup: Use Docker or virtual machines to replicate test environments.

• Data Management: Automate the creation and cleanup of test data.
• Parallel Testing: Run multiple test suites simultaneously to save time.
• Alerts and Notifications: Notify stakeholders of test failures via Slack, email, or other
channels.

Tips for CI Integration:

• Use environment variables to store dynamic configurations like URLs or tokens.

• Prioritize smoke tests in the initial stages of the pipeline.
• Execute reliable tests to avoid getting false positives or negatives.

Chapter 14: Interview Preparation Tips and Questions

Q: What are the tips for preparing for successful API testing interviews?

A:

• Understand Core Concepts: Be thorough with HTTP methods, status codes, headers,
and payload structures. Familiarize yourself with the REST and SOAP architectures.

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 Learn about API security, including authentication methods like OAuth, JWT, and Basic
Auth.
• Practical Hands-On Practice: Use tools like Postman, SoapUI, and REST Assured to
create and execute API tests. Mock APIs to simulate real-world scenarios. Practice
testing common API flows like CRUD operations and error handling.
• Build Your Communication Skills: Practice explaining technical concepts concisely
and clearly. Be prepared to discuss past experiences, challenges faced, and how you
resolved them.
• Review Your Resume Again: Ensure your resume highlights relevant skills such as API
testing tools, scripting languages, and frameworks. Include specific examples, such as
creating automated test scripts for REST APIs or optimizing API response validation.

Q: What are the specific strategies for answering technical questions?

A: Break down questions logically, even if you don’t immediately know the answer. Use
examples or analogies to explain concepts. Emphasize practical applications of your
knowledge in real-world project scenarios.

Q: What are the most frequently asked questions during API testing interviews?

A:

• What’s an API?
• Explain the differences between SOAP and REST APIs.
• What HTTP methods are most commonly used in API testing?
• How do you validate an API response?
• What are the common types of API testing?
• Explain how you would test an API for performance.
• How do you handle API errors like 500 Internal Server Error or 429 Too Many
Requests?
• How do you perform data-driven testing in Postman or REST Assured?
• Explain the role of mocking and stubbing in API testing.
• How would you integrate API testing into a CI/CD pipeline?

Scenario-Based Questions:

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• Given an API that fetches user data, write a test case to validate the response structure.
• How would you test an API that is secured with OAuth 2.0?
• What would you do if an API request returns a 401 Unauthorized error during testing?
Tip: For scenario-based questions, structure your response by explaining:

1. Test Objective: What you aim to achieve.

2. Test Design: Inputs, execution steps, and expected results.
3. Validation: How to confirm if the test passed or failed.

Q: What should be included in a final checklist for API test automation?

A: Verify the following in the API test automation checklist:

• Setup and Environment:

a. Ensure the test environment mirrors production as closely as possible.
b. Validate API endpoints, request parameters, and authentication methods.
• Functional Coverage:
a. Test all key functionalities, including positive, negative, and edge cases.
b. Validate request and response structures for consistency with the API
documentation.
• Error Handling:
a. Test APIs for expected and unexpected error codes (e.g., 400 Bad Request, 500
Internal Server Error).
b. Validate the error messages for clarity and relevance.
• Performance and Load Testing:
a. Measure response times and identify potential bottlenecks.
b. Test for concurrency to evaluate the API’s scalability.
• Security Testing:
a. Verify authentication and authorization mechanisms.
b. Test for vulnerabilities like SQL injection or cross-site scripting.
• Automation and Reporting:
a. Create reusable scripts for regression testing.
b. Set up detailed reports that capture success rates, failed tests, and error logs.
Example Checklist Template:

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Tip: Maintain a version-controlled repository for test scripts and related documentation to
track updates and ensure consistency.

Lastly, I want to explain the meaning of the image on the first page of this document. Like a
chef serving multiple different diners, an API server serves multiple API clients ● -
v
ú
:
If you want other new practical Test Automation and QA material, you can get it from my
LinkedIn posts. Thank you