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How do you test APIs that are still in development?

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Testing APIs that are still in development can be challenging, but also essential for ensuring quality, functionality, and reliability. APIs, or application programming interfaces, are the interfaces that allow different software components to communicate and exchange data. Testing APIs involves verifying the inputs, outputs, and behaviors of the API endpoints, as well as the performance, security, and error handling of the API as a whole. In this article, you will learn some strategies and tools that can help you test APIs that are still in development.

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Sougata Bhattacharjee

Senior Software Engineer at Allianz Direct | DevSecOps Enthusiast | Java, Kotlin & Go | Ex-Zalando
Nguyen The Huy

Seasoned Full Stack Developer. Engineering Excellence Lead. Mostly original.
Abin M

Implementation Engineer | Reliable SaaS Deployments | API & Kubernetes Enthusiast| Django

1 Mock the API

One of the first steps to test APIs that are still in development is to mock the API. Mocking the API means creating a simulated version of the API that mimics the expected responses and behaviors of the real API, without requiring the actual implementation or integration of the API. Mocking the API allows you to test the API contract, or the specification of how the API should work, before the API is fully developed. You can use tools like Postman, WireMock, or MockServer to create and manage mock APIs.

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Sougata Bhattacharjee

Senior Software Engineer at Allianz Direct | DevSecOps Enthusiast | Java, Kotlin & Go | Ex-Zalando
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In my experience, API mocking is a pivotal method for testing backend services in APIs still under development. It allows for comprehensive testing of the backend's logic, error handling, and performance without a live API. For instance, in enhancing our data processing system, we mocked APIs for data retrieval and aggregation. This enabled us to test the backend extensively, improving iteration speed and early detection of issues. API mocking allowed for a smoother final integration and a more robust system overall. It's a game-changer in backend development, ensuring reliability and efficiency even before the API goes live, significantly streamlining the development process, and reducing time-to-market.

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Nguyen The Huy

Seasoned Full Stack Developer. Engineering Excellence Lead. Mostly original.
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Before we even mock the API, we must first define the API contract. The contract defines the abstractions, input, output, expected behaviors, security, encoding... of the APIs. Next, we use standards such as the OpenAPI specification, to write API contracts. This contract is shared between the team that will implement the APIs itself and the teams that will consume the APIs. Since our API contracts are compliant with the standards, plenty of tools exist that can generate mocks for those APIs enabling the various teams to proceed independently with their developments.

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Abin M

Implementation Engineer | Reliable SaaS Deployments | API & Kubernetes Enthusiast| Django
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Mock API testing is an invaluable asset in software development, offering an efficient way to validate applications without relying solely on the actual API. By simulating various scenarios and behaviors, it facilitates thorough testing, leading to robust and reliable software. Integration of mock API testing into development workflows significantly enhances the quality and reliability of the final product.

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2 Use test-driven development

Another strategy to test APIs that are still in development is to use test-driven development (TDD). TDD is a software development approach that involves writing tests before writing code, and then writing code that passes the tests. TDD helps you define the requirements and expectations of the API, as well as catch errors and bugs early in the development process. You can use tools like Jest, Mocha, or Chai to write and run tests for your API.

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MD Masud Sikdar

Programmer | Problem Solver and Code Enthusiast | PHP | JavaScript | Python | Go | Docker
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Test-driven development (TDD) is a software development approach where tests are written before the actual code is implemented. TDD follows a cycle of writing a test, implementing the corresponding code to make the test pass, and then refactoring the code. This iterative process helps ensure that the code is functional, maintainable, and meets the specified requirements. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use TDD in your development process: - Write the Minimum Code to Pass the Test - Refactor Code - Repeat the Cycle - Automate Testing - Document with Tests - Collaborate and Review Remember that TDD is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and its effectiveness depends on the context and project requirements.

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3 Test different layers of the API

A third strategy to test APIs that are still in development is to test different layers of the API. Testing different layers of the API means testing the individual components of the API, such as the database, the logic, and the interface, as well as testing the integration of the components and the end-to-end functionality of the API. Testing different layers of the API helps you isolate and identify the source of any issues or failures, as well as ensure the compatibility and consistency of the API. You can use tools like Postman, RestAssured, or Supertest to test different layers of your API.

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4 Test different scenarios and cases

A fourth strategy to test APIs that are still in development is to test different scenarios and cases. Testing different scenarios and cases means testing the API with various inputs, outputs, and parameters, as well as testing the API under different conditions, such as high load, low bandwidth, or malicious attacks. Testing different scenarios and cases helps you evaluate the robustness, scalability, and security of the API, as well as ensure the API meets the user needs and expectations. You can use tools like JMeter, Gatling, or OWASP ZAP to test different scenarios and cases for your API.

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5 Document and report the test results

A fifth strategy to test APIs that are still in development is to document and report the test results. Documenting and reporting the test results means recording and communicating the outcomes and feedback of the test activities, such as the test cases, the test data, the test execution, and the test findings. Documenting and reporting the test results helps you track and measure the progress and quality of the API development, as well as share and collaborate with other stakeholders, such as developers, testers, and clients. You can use tools like Swagger, Apiary, or Allure to document and report the test results for your API.

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Дмитрий Иванов

curl -Acv ivanoff.org.ua # Программист в селе
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Consider employing tools to measure test coverage. Doing so will streamline code fixes, facilitate new feature implementation, and support refactoring efforts. In my experience, higher code coverage equates to considerable time savings for programmers. Think of each line covered by tests as an added layer of protection, strengthening your defenses.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Luis Miguel Guerrero Gutiérrez

????Software Engineer??|?? Backend C# .NET | ?? MCP Azure AI Engineer | ?? MCP CosmosDB Developer Specialty ??
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Para probar APIs en desarrollo, herramientas como Postman son fundamentales. Inicio creando solicitudes HTTP para endpoints existentes, asegurándome de manejar correctamente códigos de respuesta. Utilizo entornos en Postman para gestionar variables y configuraciones. Automatizo pruebas con scripts, verificando datos y validando respuestas. La monitorización y captura de errores son esenciales para detectar problemas temprano. Documento casos de prueba y ejemplos para facilitar la colaboración. Además, aprovecho funcionalidades de Postman como mocks para simular respuestas y facilitar la integración con equipos aún sin API finalizada.

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How do you test APIs that are still in development?

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1 Mock the API

2 Use test-driven development

3 Test different layers of the API

4 Test different scenarios and cases

5 Document and report the test results

6 Here’s what else to consider

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