Introduction To APIs and API Testing
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Abd AIntroduction To APIs and API Testing
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End to End API Testing
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urated By:
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Introduction to APIs and API Testing
Lamhot Siagian
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction to APIs and API Testing
1
Understanding APIs 1
Importance of API Testing 3
Types of APIs 5
Overview of API Testing Techniques 7
Common Interview Questions and Answers Related to Basic APIs 9
2
Introduction to APIs and API Testing, Curated by Lamhot Siagian
Chapter 1
Introduction to APIs and API Testing
Understanding APIs
PIs (Application Programming Interfaces) is fundamental for modern software development, as they
A
enabledifferentsoftwaresystemstocommunicatewitheachother.Here’sadetailedoverviewtohelpyou
understand what APIs are, how they work, and why they are important.
What is an API?
An API, or application programming interface, is a set of rules or protocols that enables software
pplications to communicate with each other to exchange data, features and functionality..
a
How Do APIs Work?
I t’s useful to think about API communication in terms of a request and response between a client and
server.Theapplicationsubmittingtherequestistheclient,andtheserverprovidestheresponse.TheAPIis
the bridge establishing the connection between them.
simple way to understand how APIs work is to look at a common example—third-party payment
A
processing.Whenauserpurchasesaproductonane-commercesite,thesitemightprompttheuserto“Pay
with PayPal” or another type of third-party system. This function relies on APIs to make the connection.
- hen the buyer clicks the payment button, an APIcallissenttoretrieveinformation.Thisisthe
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request.ThisrequestisprocessedfromanapplicationtothewebserverthroughtheAPI’sUniform
Resource Identifier (URI) and includes a request verb, headers, and sometimes, a request body.
- Afterreceivingavalidrequestfromtheproductwebpage,theAPIcallstotheexternalprogramor
web server, in this case, the third-party payment system.
- The server sends a response to the API with the requested information.
- The API transfers the data to the initial requesting application, in this case, the product website1
Components of an API
.
1 ndpoints: URLs that provide access to specific resourcesor functionalities.
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2. Methods/HTTP Verbs: Actions that can be performed(e.g., GET, POST, PUT, DELETE).
3. Requests: Data sent by the client to the server.
4. Responses: Data sent back by the server to the client.
1
https://www.ibm.com/topics/api
1
Introduction to APIs and API Testing, Curated by Lamhot Siagian
. H
5 eaders: Metadata about the request or response (e.g., authentication tokens, content type).
6. Payload/Body: Data being sent with the request (typicallyin JSON or XML format).
Benefits of Using APIs
APIs offer significant benefits, including:
.
1 utomation: Streamlines repetitive tasks, boostingproductivity.
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2. Innovation: Enables external teams to innovate byleveraging existing functionalities.
3. Security: Adds a layer of protection by requiringauthentication and authorization.
4. Cost Efficiency: Reduces expenses by using third-party tools instead of developing in-house
systems.2
API Use Cases
1. I ntegration: Connecting different applications andservices, such as integrating payment gateways
into e-commerce platforms.
2. Automation: Automating repetitive tasks, such as deployingcode, managing resources, or data
synchronization.
3. Data Access: Providing access to data from differentsources, such as retrieving weather data or
financial information.
4. Third-Party Services: Enabling third-party developersto build applications that interact with your
services, such as social media apps using Facebook or Twitter APIs.
5. Microservices Architecture: Facilitating communicationbetween microservices in a distributed
system.
API Documentation
ood API documentation is essential for developers to understand how to use the API effectively. It
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typically includes:
.
1 ndpoint Descriptions: Detailed information aboutavailable endpoints and their purposes.
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2. HTTP Methods: The methods supported by each endpoint(e.g., GET, POST).
3. Parameters: Required and optional parameters for eachendpoint.
4. Request and Response Formats: Examples of requestpayloads and expected responses.
5. Authentication: Information about authentication andauthorization mechanisms.
6. Error Handling: Common error codes and messages, along with troubleshooting information.
2
https://www.postman.com/what-is-an-api/#benefits-of-apis
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Introduction to APIs and API Testing, Curated by Lamhot Siagian
Importance of API Testing
PI testing is a crucial aspect of software development, offering numerous benefits and addressing key
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challenges that can significantly impact the quality, reliability, andperformanceofsoftwareapplications.
Here are the primary reasons why API testing is important:
1. Ensures Functionality
● V erification of Requirements: API testing ensuresthat the API functions according to the specified
requirements. This involves checking that the endpoints are working correctly, the data is being
processed as expected, and the correct responses are returned.
● Detection of Errors Early: By testing APIs early inthe development cycle, errors can be detected
and fixed before they become more difficult and costly to resolve.
2. Improves Reliability
● C onsistent Performance: Regular API testing helpsensure that the API performs consistently
under various conditions, reducing the likelihood of unexpected failures in production
environments.
● Regression Testing: API tests can be automated andincluded in regression testing to ensure that
new changes do not break existing functionality.
3. Enhances Security
● I dentification of Vulnerabilities: API testing canreveal security vulnerabilities such as SQL
injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other common exploits.
● Validation of Authentication and Authorization: Ensuresthat security mechanisms like
authentication and authorization are working correctly, protecting sensitive data and functionality
from unauthorized access.
4. Boosts Performance
● L oad and Stress Testing: API testing includes performancetests such as load and stress testing,
which help determine how well the API performs under heavy traffic and identify potential
bottlenecks.
● Scalability Assessment: Helps in assessing whetherthe API can scale effectively to handle
increased load as the user base grows.
5. Enhances User Experience
● E nsures Smooth Integration: For APIs that are consumedby external developers or third-party
applications, thorough testing ensures that these integrations work smoothly, providing a better
user experience.
● Reduces Downtime: By identifying and resolving issuesearly, API testing helps reduce the chances
of downtime, ensuring that end-users experience fewer disruptions.
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Introduction to APIs and API Testing, Curated by Lamhot Siagian
6. Facilitates Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)
● A utomated Testing: API tests can be automated and integrated into CI/CD pipelines, providing
quick feedback to developers and ensuring that changes do not introduce new issues.
● Continuous Monitoring: Ongoing API testing helps monitor the API's health and performance
continuously, allowing for rapid response to issues.
7. Supports Development and Debugging
● I mproved Debugging: API tests provide detailed informationabout failures, making it easier for
developers to debug and resolve issues.
● Documentation and Clarity: Writing API tests oftenhelps clarify the API's functionality and
expected behavior, which can improve the quality of documentation and assist other developers in
understanding how to use the API.
8. Reduces Costs
● L ower Maintenance Costs: Identifying and fixing issues early in the development process reduces
the costs associated with post-release maintenance and support.
● Fewer Production Issues: Well-tested APIs are lesslikely to cause issues in production, leading to
reduced costs related to bug fixes and customer support.
9. Ensures Compliance and Standardization
● A dherence to Standards: API testing ensures that theAPI complies with industry standards and
protocols, which is particularly important for APIs in regulated industries.
● Contract Testing: Validates that the API contracts(the agreed-upon schema and behavior between
API consumers and providers) are maintained, ensuring compatibility and reliability.
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Introduction to APIs and API Testing, Curated by Lamhot Siagian
Types of APIs
PIscomeinvariousforms,eachwithitsownstrengthsandpurposes.Understandingthesedifferencesis
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essentialforpickingtherightAPIforyourprojectandensuringyourapplicationiseffective,scalable,and
reliable.Let’slookatthedifferenttypesofAPIs,exploringwhatmakeseachuniqueandhowtheyfitinto
modern software development.
This table provides a high-level overview of various API types, their descriptions, and examples.3
API type Description Examples
ibrary-based
L art of software libraries,
P J ava API for Android app development, .NET
APIs language-specific, range from basic libraries used in Windows applications
utilities to complex GUI components
perating
O rovide interfaces for OS interaction,
P indows API for Windows OS interaction,
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system APIs manage hardware resources and POSIX API for UNIX-like systems
processes
Database APIs E
nable interaction with database QL API for relational databases, Oracle’s
S
management systems, facilitate data OCI for Oracle databases
querying and manipulation
ardware
H llow communication with hardware
A I oT device APIs for smart home systems,
APIs devices, direct control over hardware Printer APIs for document processing
functions
Cloud APIs rovided by cloud service platforms,
P mazon Web Services (AWS) API, Microsoft
A
enable interaction with cloud-based Azure API for cloud-based solutions
resources and services
TTP APIs
H acilitate client-server communication W
F eb services, mobile apps, IoT devices, social
(web API) over the web, use standard HTTP media platforms, content management
methods, lightweight and flexible systems
EST APIs
R se HTTP requests for data
U eb services accessible via the web, social
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(web API) operations, stateless and separate media APIs, cloud services
client-server concerns
OAP APIs
S se service interfaces to expose
U nterprise-level services like banking,
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(web API) business logic, high security, suitable healthcare, where security and transactions
for enterprise-level organizations are critical
raphQL
G lients request only needed data,
C omplex data-driven web and mobile
C
APIs (web reduce data transfer over the network, applications, ad-hoc queries by the client
API) support multiple responses in one
request
3
https://www.nylas.com/api-guide/types-of-apis/
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Introduction to APIs and API Testing, Curated by Lamhot Siagian
pen APIs
O ccessible by third-party developers,
A witter API for tweets, Stripe API for
T
(public APIs) typically for external users, require payments, providing data or services to
API keys external developers
I nternal APIs esigned for internal use within an
D inking HR systems to internal employee
L
(private APIs) organization, enhance integration directories, improving internal efficiency and
between systems data security
Partner APIs vailable to strategic business
A I ntegration of supply chain systems, service
partners, require specific entitlements expansion to partners, creating revenue
channels, controlled data sharing with trusted
partners
omposite
C ombine different data and service
C ggregating various services in a single call
A
APIs APIs, access multiple endpoints in one for smoother user experience, commonly used
call in microservices architectures
J SON-RPC ncode data as JSON or XML for
E emote procedure calls with simple
R
and XML-RPC remote procedure calls, send lists of request/response model, suitable for basic
APIs commands request/response scenarios
ynchronous
S ynchronous: Request-response
S ynchronous: Essential data retrieval, web
S
and model, Asynchronous: Non-blocking, page loading, Asynchronous: Background
asynchronous no immediate response required tasks, real-time data streams
ibrary-based
L art of software libraries,
P J ava API for Android app development, .NET
APIs language-specific, range from basic libraries used in Windows applications
utilities to complex GUI components
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Introduction to APIs and API Testing, Curated by Lamhot Siagian
Overview of API Testing Techniques
1. Unit Testing
O
● bjective: Test individual API components in isolation.
● Tools: JUnit (Java), NUnit (C#), pytest (Python).
● Description: Unit tests are typically written by developersto test the functionality of specific
methods or functions in the API, ensuring that each part works as intended.
2. Functional Testing
O
● bjective: Verify that the API performs its intendedfunctions correctly.
● Tools: Postman, SoapUI, REST Assured.
● Description: Functional tests validate the API againstthe functional requirements and
specifications. This includes testing endpoints, methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE), and responses.
3. Integration Testing
O
● bjective: Ensure that the API interacts correctly with other components and systems.
● Tools: Postman, SoapUI, JUnit (with integration test configurations).
● Description: Integration tests evaluate the interactions between different parts of the API and other
services or databases to ensure that integrated parts work together as expected.
4. Performance Testing
O
● bjective: Assess the API’s performance under variousconditions.
● Tools: JMeter, LoadRunner, Gatling.
● Description: Performance tests include load testing (to check API behavior under expected load),
stress testing (to determine the API’s breaking point), and endurance testing (to evaluate
performance over an extended period).
5. Security Testing
O
● bjective: Identify vulnerabilities and ensure the API is secure.
● Tools: OWASP ZAP, Burp Suite, Postman (with securityextensions).
● Description: Security testing involves checking forcommon vulnerabilities like SQL injection,
cross-site scripting (XSS), and ensuring proper authentication and authorization mechanisms are in
place.
6. Usability Testing
O
● bjective: Ensure the API is easy to use and well-documented.
● Tools: Swagger, Postman.
● Description: Usability testing focuses on the API’s user experience, ensuring that the
documentation is clear, the endpoints are intuitive, and error messages are helpful.
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Introduction to APIs and API Testing, Curated by Lamhot Siagian
7. Validation Testing
O
● bjective: Validate the API’s functionality, performance,and security comprehensively.
● Tools: Postman, SoapUI.
● Description: Validation testing ensures that the API meets the business requirements and
expectations, combining functional, performance, and security testing aspects.
8. Compliance Testing
O
● bjective: Ensure the API complies with industry standardsand regulations.
● Tools: Postman, SoapUI, custom scripts.
● Description: Compliance testing checks if the APIadheres to legal and regulatory requirements,
such as GDPR, HIPAA, and other industry-specific standards.
9. Mocking and Virtualization
O
● bjective: Test the API in isolated environments bysimulating dependencies.
● Tools: WireMock, MockServer, Postman (mock servers).
● Description: Mocking and virtualization allow testers to simulate the behavior of the API’s
dependencies, enabling testing in scenarios where real dependencies are unavailable or difficult to
configure.
10. Regression Testing
O
● bjective: Ensure new changes do not negatively affectexisting functionality.
● Tools: Postman, SoapUI, automated test scripts.
● Description: Regression testing involves re-running previously conducted tests to verify that new
code changes have not introduced any new bugs or issues.
Best Practices for API Testing
● utomation: Automate as many tests as possible to ensure efficiency and repeatability.
A
● Version Control: Keep track of API versions and ensuretests are updated accordingly.
● Environment Management: Use consistent environmentsfor testing to avoid discrepancies.
● Data Management: Use realistic data for testing touncover potential issues.
● Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD):Integrate API testing into the CI/CD
pipeline to catch issues early.
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Introduction to APIs and API Testing, Curated by Lamhot Siagian
Common Interview Questions and Answers Related to Basic APIs
1. What is an API?
nswer: An API(ApplicationProgrammingInterface)isasetofrulesandprotocolsthatallowsdifferent
A
software applications to communicate with each other. APIs define the methods and data formats that
applications can use to request and exchange information.
2. Can you explain the difference between REST and SOAP APIs?
Answer:
● REST (Representational State Transfer):
○ Uses standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE).
○ Stateless, meaning each request from a client to a server must contain all the information
needed to understand and process the request.
○ Typically uses JSON or XML for data interchange.
○ It is easier to implement and more scalable for web services.
● SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol):
○ A protocol-based approach that relies on XML for message format.
○ Includes built-in error handling and supports more complex operations.
○ Uses stricter standards and can work over several protocols (HTTP, SMTP, TCP).
○ Generally more secure with built-in security features.
3. What are the main HTTP methods used in RESTful APIs and what are their purposes?
Answer:
● ET: Retrieve data from the server.
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● POST: Submit data to the server to create a new resource.
● PUT: Update an existing resource on the server.
● DELETE: Remove a resource from the server.
● PATCH: Apply partial modifications to a resource.
4. What is an API endpoint?
nswer:AnAPIendpointisaspecificURLthatprovidesaccesstoaparticularresourceorfunctionalityof
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theAPI.ItrepresentsoneofthediscreteunitsofinteractioninanAPIandistypicallyacombinationofthe
base URL and a resource path.
5. Explain the concept of RESTful API statelessness.
nswer: Statelessness in RESTful APIsmeansthateachrequestfromaclienttoaservermustcontainall
A
the information needed to understand and process the request. The server doesnotstoreanycontextor
9
Introduction to APIs and API Testing, Curated by Lamhot Siagian
s ession information about the client between requests, making each request independent and
self-contained.
6. What is an API key and why is it used?
nswer:AnAPIkeyisauniqueidentifierusedtoauthenticateaclientaccessinganAPI.Ithelpstrackand
A
control how the API is used, ensuring that only authorized users can make requests. API keys are
commonly used for security purposes to prevent misuse and limit the number of requests from a client.
7. What is CORS and why is it important in web APIs?
nswer: CORS (Cross-Origin Resource Sharing) is a security feature implemented by web browsers to
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preventwebpagesfrommakingrequeststoadifferentdomainthantheonethatservedthewebpage.Itis
important in webAPIsbecauseitenablesserverstospecifywhocanaccesstheirresources,ensuringthat
only trusted domains can make cross-origin requests.
8. What are some common status codes returned by APIs, and what do they mean?
Answer:
● 00 OK: The request was successful.
2
● 201 Created: A new resource was successfully created.
● 204 No Content: The request was successful, but there is no content to return.
● 400 Bad Request: The request was invalid or cannot be processed.
● 401 Unauthorized: Authentication is required and hasfailed or not been provided.
● 403 Forbidden: The server understands the request but refuses to authorize it.
● 404 Not Found: The requested resource could not befound.
● 500 Internal Server Error: An error occurred on the server side.
9. What is the purpose of API versioning and how can it be implemented?
nswer:APIversioningensuresthatchangesintheAPIdonotbreakexistingclientapplications.Itallows
A
developers to introduce new features andimprovementswithoutdisruptingthecurrentfunctionalityfor
existing users. Versioning can be implemented in several ways:
/v1/users
● URL Path: Including the version number in the URL(e.g., ).
?version=1
● Query Parameters: Adding a version parameter in thequery string (e.g., ).
Accept:
● Headers: Using a custom header to specify the version (e.g.,
application/vnd.myapi.v1+json
).
10. What are the differences between synchronous and asynchronous API calls?
Answer:
● Synchronous API Calls:
10
Introduction to APIs and API Testing, Curated by Lamhot Siagian
T
○ he client sends a request and waits for the server to respond.
○ The client is blocked until the response is received.
○ Simple and straightforward but can lead to inefficiencies if the server takes a long time to
respond.
Asynchronous API Calls:
●
○ The client sends a request and continues processing other tasks.
○ The client is notified (usually via a callback or promise) when the response is ready.
○ More efficient for long-running operations, as it doesn't block the client.
11. What is rate limiting in APIs and why is it important?
Answer:RatelimitingisamechanismtocontrolthenumberofrequestsaclientcanmaketoanAPIwithin
certain time period. It is important for:
a
● P reventing Abuse: Protects the API from being overwhelmedby too many requests from a single
client.
● Ensuring Fair Usage: Ensures that all clients have fair access to the API.
● Maintaining Performance: Helps maintain the API'sperformance and availability by avoiding
excessive load.
12. Explain the concept of API throttling.
nswer: API throttling is a technique used to control the usage of an API by limiting the number of
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requests that can be made in aspecifictimeframe.Ithelpsinmanagingtheloadontheserver,ensuring
serviceavailability,andpreventingabuse.Throttlingcanbeimplementedbysettingalimitonthenumber
of requests per minute, hour, or day.
11
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