API Test Automation: Types of APIs, Protocols, Architectures, and More

API Test Automation: Types of APIs, Protocols, Architectures, and More

Application Programming Interface (API) is a method where two software communicates with each other. They apply a set of protocols and definitions to inform end users.

Example– Companies like AccuWeather provide weather updates on your phone through their software. The app on your smartphone communicates with the company’s software system through API to provide weather information.

Therefore, a well-functioning API is crucial for a successful application. It makes API automation testing vital during SDLC to produce glitch-free web and mobile apps for public use.

What is API Automation Testing?

API test automation?is a set of tests to assess the capacity and performance of programs before launch.

The?software testing?process checks apps’ correctness, efficiency, and compatibility. The core purpose of these test cases is to develop an app that fulfils customers’ expectations.

Efficient and glitch-free software is beneficial for business. Satisfied customers and traffic directly replicate into higher revenue and turnover.

Advantages of API Automation Testing

• Automating API software testing reduce expenses compare to manual tests
• API automation tests are more accurate and faster than the manual process
• Automation increases the functional area of API testing
• Quick tests results and detailed feedback
• Easier to maintain and update new releases
• Minimizes human errors
• Improved test scripts, efficient results evaluation, and glitch-free applications

API Testing Tools and Technologies for API Test Automation

API Management Platforms

As the name implies, API management platforms are the central point for API testing. They consolidate API testing-related activities in one place.

Centralised management helps to reduce costs and boost efficiency. API management platforms offer the following core features:

• App performance monitoring
• Analysis using analytic tools
• A developer portal as a central user interface
• Integration of APIs to other systems for easier debugging and testing

API Mocking Tools

Software professionals create dummy versions of API endpoints for?software testing?requirements. A fake API version simulates an API’s desired behaviour during the software development life cycle.

Features of Mocking Tools for?API Automation Testing:

• Simulation of diverse testing scenarios like stress tests, response during high traffic, load, etc.
• Recording requests and responses of the API in the testing process. You can also playback and observe.
• Negative testing to check error management in the application.
• Artificial delay commands to check network compatibility during real-world operations.

Types of APIs and Protocols

There are multiple types of APIs. Designers have a wide range of standards and protocols for developing new APIs.

Let us explain significant API types and protocols below.?

Web APIs

You can use the HTTP protocol to access Web APIs. It defines authenticated request and response formats.

Web APIs also define endpoints and use them for communicating with browsers. Designers also apply Web APIs for web storage and notifications. You can also use a combined form of Web APIs as a collection of services and data APIs.

Different types of Web APIs display a diverse range of privacy and security. It includes internal, partner, and open APIs.

Open APIs

These APIs are for external use. Developers from other organisations access Open APIs for data or services. Access can be through registration, API key, or completely open.?

Internal APIs

API designers create Internal APIs protected or hidden from external access. These APIs are strictly for internal purposes within the organisation.

Various departments use Internal APIs for sharing data, programs and tools. It is an efficient way to integrate and improve productivity in the workplace.

Partner APIs

Partner APIs offer controlled access regulated through a third-party API gateway. These types of APIs are mostly for paid services. Organizations subscribe or hire third-party API service providers for a specific purpose.

Composite APIs

Composite APIs provide multiple endpoints for services and data sources. These are useful for searching several resources to complete one task. It reduces the duration to complete work and improves efficiency.

API Architecture and Protocol

API architecture constitutes a transactional, analytical, and operational mechanism of APIs. It requires initiating processes or accessing data in real-time.

Interactions with external companies, cloud-based organisations, and social channels are good examples of API architecture.

API protocols refer to rules for API calls and acceptable types of data.

We will explain?REST, prominent API architecture and?SOAP, a popular API protocol.

REST API

• REST is a client-server API architecture. There is no stored client context on the server between API requests.
• The interface in?REST API?is separated from data storage and the backend. It makes the system flexible and develops independently.
• REST architecture consists of document transfer. It expresses the ability to cache or not.
• It offers a layered system, and URI includes information like query conditions.

SOAP API Protocol

• Simple Object Access Protocol or SOAP is a renowned Web API protocol.
• It is expandable and neutral. SOAP can work over multiple communication protocols like SMTP, HTTP, and TCP.
• SOAP API supports every programming style.

What is API Chaining?

API chaining is a method to execute a particular task with multiple programmed API requests.

The chaining technique works as a chain where each request feeds subsequent requests.

Get Started with algoQA

• algoQA from AlgoShack is a powerful AI-based automation tool for quality API testing.
• Your team can conduct?software testing?without any unexpected hiccups.
• The right tools and methods of algoQA saves time and enhance workflows with effective?API test automation.
• You can also use the integration feature on the platform for?API chaining?and creating comprehensive automation test suites.
• algoQA from AlgoShack facilitates testing beyond UI automation.
• algoQA provides a single platform for multiple types of automation tests.
• It is a technology-agnostic platform. It supports multi-lingual scripting, seamless working across ALMs, and multiple reporting formats.
• You can use algoQA for Web Applications, Mobile Applications, Hybrid Applications, Desktop Applications, Robotic Process Automation, and Embedded Software.
• Leverages AI and ML for accurate?test automation?results

Design and run your next API automation test with algoQA. Visit?https://algoshack.com/algoqa/ ?to learn more. Book a demo now.

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