How do you manage mobile app API environments and variables with Postman?

1 What are environments and variables in Postman?

Postman allows you to define and store key-value pairs of data that you can use in your requests. These key-value pairs are called variables, and they can be either global or specific to an environment. An environment is a set of variables that you can select and apply to your requests depending on the context. For example, you can have an environment for each of your app's stages, such as local, staging, and production, and use variables to store the base URL, the API key, and other relevant data for each stage. This way, you can switch between environments and variables without changing your requests manually.

2 How to create an environment in Postman?

To create an environment in Postman, you need to click on the gear icon in the top right corner of the app and select Manage Environments. Then, click on the Add button and give your environment a name. Under the Variables section, add the key-value pairs that you want to use in your requests for this environment. You can also add an initial value and a current value for each variable. The initial value is the default value used when creating or importing an environment, while the current value is used when sending a request. Click on the Add button to save your environment, and repeat these steps to create more environments for your app, such as Staging and Production.

3 How to use an environment and variables in Postman?

To use an environment and variables in Postman, you must first select the environment from the dropdown menu in the top right corner of the app. The values for that environment will be displayed in the environment quick look panel on the right side. When constructing your request, you can use variables by enclosing them in double curly braces, such as {{base_url}} or {{api_key}}. Postman will automatically replace them with their current values when sending the request. Additionally, variables can also be used in headers, body, tests, and scripts. If you want to change a variable's current value, you can double-click on it in the environment quick look panel and edit it. Alternatively, you can click on the eye icon in the top right corner of the app and select Edit next to the environment name. You can also use the Set as variable button in the response panel to save a value from the response as a variable.

4 How to import and export environments in Postman?

If you want to share your environments and variables with other developers or testers, or move them between different machines or projects, Postman's import and export features can come in handy. To import or export an environment, click on the gear icon in the top right corner of the Postman app and select Manage Environments. To import, click on the Import button and select a file or link that contains the environment data in JSON format, or drag and drop the file into the app. To export an environment, click on the three dots next to the environment name and select Export. Postman will generate a JSON file with the environment data and prompt you to save it, giving you the option to export either the current values or initial values of the variables.

5 How to modify an environment in Postman?

If you want to modify an environment or its variables in Postman, you can use the edit feature or the duplicate feature. To do so, click on the gear icon in the top right corner of the Postman app and select Manage Environments. To edit an environment, click on the three dots next to the environment name and select Edit. This will allow you to change the name, description, and variables of the environment as desired. You can also use the Bulk Edit button to edit multiple variables at once in a text editor and then click Update to save your changes. To duplicate an environment, click on the three dots next to the environment name and select Duplicate. This will create a copy of the environment with the same name and variables that can then be edited as desired.