What are the most common mistakes to avoid when using API testing frameworks in Financial Technology?

2 Mistake 2: Not designing and documenting test cases properly

A common mistake in API testing is not designing and documenting test cases properly. Test cases should be structured in a way that is consistent, comprehensive, and easy to understand and maintain. However, some testers may design test cases that are too complex or too simple, too redundant or too sparse, too dependent or too independent, not aligned with the test objectives and the API specifications, or not updated or reviewed regularly. To avoid this mistake, you should follow best practices and standards for designing and documenting test cases. This includes using a consistent naming convention and format, a logical and modular structure, an appropriate level of granularity and abstraction, positive and negative scenarios, boundary values, edge cases, preconditions, inputs, outputs, steps, expected results, comments, annotations, descriptions, version control, traceability, and change management.

3 Mistake 3: Not selecting and configuring the right tools and frameworks

A common mistake in API testing is neglecting to select and configure the appropriate tools and frameworks. These software applications and libraries are meant to simplify the process by automating it, but if they are not fit for the purpose, scope, and type of the API testing, not compatible with the API technology, platform, and environment, not scalable or secure for the API testing data, transactions, and communications, or not easy to use, integrate, and maintain for the API testing team then this can be a major issue. To avoid this mistake, you should evaluate and compare the features of different tools and frameworks before choosing one. Additionally, you should configure them properly and test them thoroughly to ensure they work as expected and meet the test objectives and requirements. When selecting and configuring tools and frameworks you should consider factors such as functionality, performance, security, compatibility, interoperability, scalability, flexibility, adaptability, reliability, robustness, usability, integration, maintenance cost availability and support.

4 Mistake 4: Not validating and verifying the test data and results

A common mistake in API testing is not validating and verifying the test data and results. Test data and results are the input and output of the API testing process, and should be validated and verified accurately, consistently, and comprehensively. However, some testers may validate and verify test data and results that are not realistic or representative of the actual API usage, not consistent with the test objectives or API specifications, not comprehensive enough for the test coverage, not accurate for the test quality, or not documented properly for the test analysis. To avoid this mistake, you should use tools and frameworks that support automation of validation and verification of test data and results. Additionally, use techniques and methods to ensure accuracy, consistency, and comprehensiveness of test data. These techniques include using realistic test data that match the API usage scenarios, using consistent test data that align with the test objectives and API specifications, using comprehensive test data that cover the scope of the tests, using accurate and reliable test data generated securely and efficiently, validating the test data against the API schema, contract, or rules, validating the results against expected criteria or metrics, and documenting and reporting the test data clearly.

5 Mistake 5: Not following the API testing best practices and standards

Failing to adhere to API testing best practices and standards is a common mistake that can be attributed to a lack of knowledge, skills, resources, time, budget, or motivation. To avoid this mistake, it is important to continually learn and update your knowledge and skills on the API testing best practices and standards. Utilizing resources and tools that support the API testing best practices and standards is also necessary. Furthermore, it is important to plan and allocate enough time and budget to implement the API testing best practices and standards. Finally, motivation and commitment from yourself and your team is essential for following the API testing best practices and standards. Sources and references for the API testing best practices and standards include documentation for frameworks, tools, blogs, forums, communities, books, courses, certifications, experts, mentors, and peers.