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What is postman --- Postman is an API platform for testing and developing API's. We send HTTP requests and get responses . It is a very important tool for Developers ,QA Engineers and DevOps teams.
Postman is continuously introducing new features like support for automated testing, GraphQL API testing, MQTT and integration with CI/CD tools like Jenkins and GitLab which makes postman more valuable for developers and testers. It is a leading API testing tool that helps improve the quality and reliability of APIs. You can use
Postman to create requests, organize them into collections, and add tests to verify responses from the API.
In simpler terms, you can send HTTP requests to the API's endpoint and view the responses within the Postman interface. It provides built-in tools to validate these responses like : checking the status code and validating response data to ensure the API functions as expected.
Basic steps to get started with Postman:
1. Download and Install Postman from the official Postman website on your machine (https://www.postman.com/).
2. Create an account
3. Create collection : Don't know? Don't worry, I will cover it later in this blog.
4. Create Request : After creating Collection we are ready to add our first request.
An HTTP request includes:
An HTTP method : This specifies the desired action on the resource.
Request headers: These are optional key-value pairs that provide additional information about the request.
A request body (optional): This contains data sent to the server with the request, typically used with POST, PUT, and PATCH methods.
Query parameters (optional): These are key-value pairs appended to the URL that can be used to filter or modify the requested resource.
Postman supports various HTTP methods and each has specific purpose.
GET Request--Retrieve data from server.
POST Request--Submit data to create new resource.
PUT Request--Update a resource data.
DELETE Request-- Delete a resource on the server.
To Add request in Postman: Click on Add request button located at the right side of collection's name
Give your request a name ("New Request" in above screenshot )
Select the HTTP method (Get, Post, Put, Delete)
Enter API endpoint URL and add any required request headers.
Save the request by clicking save button.
Your request will now be added to the collection.it can be executed by clicking on send button.
After clicking the send button we get response
We can add tests to validate the response from the API that it is functioning as expected or not.
You see … Testing with Postman is a breeze. Its intuitive interface and powerful features make it a popular choice for developers and testers .
Now Let's get into some simple tips and tricks for efficient API testing with postman.
1. Organize Your Tests with Collections:
Collection : A Simple but powerful Tool for API Test Management
A collection is a group of API requests arranged and stored together. It makes easy to manage and organize your API testing workflow. Collections allow you to structure your APIs meaningfully based on projects, their purposes, and API endpoints.
Within a project, you can share collections with your team members for better collaboration on both API development and testing. Reusing API requests across different projects saves valuable time. Additionally, collections can be run in a specific order to perform end-to-end testing.
For creating a collection we need to click on New. Select collection and name it as shown below
Collections allow you to group your tests together, making them easier to manage and organize. You can create collections based on different criteria, such as API endpoints, test suites, or projects. Simply add your tests to the relevant collection for clear structure.
2. Leverage Environments for Dynamic Testing:
API testing often involves simulating different scenarios with varying data inputs, like user credentials or parameters. Postman's environment feature comes in handy here. It allows you to store and manage multiple sets of data. To create an environment, click the "New" button in the environment tab and name it appropriately. You can then add variables to store dynamic data like usernames, passwords, and API endpoints. When running tests, you can switch between environments seamlessly, eliminating the need to manually change data inputs each time. This streamlines your testing process and promotes efficiency.
3. Automate Your Tests with Scripts:
Postman offers a scripting feature that empowers you to automate tests and tackle more complex testing scenarios. These scripts enable you to perform various tasks, including extracting data from responses, validating response codes, and running assertions. To write scripts, navigate to the "Tests" tab within your request and write your code in the text editor. Postman provides libraries to assist you in crafting effective test scripts. By automating scripts, you can not only save time but also enhance the accuracy of your testing approach.
4. Use monitors to run scheduled tests:
You can set up a monitor to run your test cases at specified intervals, such as daily, monthly, or weekly. You can receive notifications if any of the tests fail.
To create a new monitor:
. Click on the "Monitors" tab.
. Select "New Monitor".
. Choose the collection and environment you want to monitor.
. Finally, select the desired schedule.
This allows you to verify API functionality without actively running tests all the time.
5. Collaboration in Postman:
Postman allows you to collaborate with your teammates by sharing tests and collections. You can also share test results and feedback to facilitate communication.
To enable collaboration:
. Click on the "Collaboration" tab.
. Select "New Team."
. Enter the email addresses of your teammates to invite them.
Collaboration promotes improved efficiency and effectiveness within your testing approach.
Efficient API testing is very critical for the success of software development, and postman is a powerful tool for testing and Managing APIs .
We hope that by applying these tips, you will improve your testing approach. Happy learning!
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