Postman Tutorial: How to Use Postman for API Testing

Ensuring your API functions as intended is crucial. Postman is a powerful tool that simplifies API testing by allowing you to send various HTTP requests (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE), receive responses, and validate the results. However, it has limitations, offering only 5 free flows and a restricted collection of runners.

💡 Note: For a more versatile and efficient testing experience, consider Apidog, a powerful alternative that provides comprehensive API lifecycle solutions, including test automation, visual assertions, response validation, and seamless CI/CD integration.

Postman — The API Testing Tool

Postman is a comprehensive platform for creating, testing, and documenting APIs. Its intuitive interface allows developers to design and automate API tests easily. It also supports team collaboration by enabling sharing and version control of API tests and collections.

Why Use Postman for API Testing?

API testing is pivotal for ensuring reliability and preserving consumer trust. Early issue detection and automation save resources, allowing teams to focus on innovation. Integration with CI/CD pipelines enables rapid iterations and frequent releases with reduced bug risks.

What is Postman?

Postman is a widely-used API testing tool. It enables developers to create and execute HTTP requests and verify API responses. Features like request builders, response visualizations, and test automation make API testing more efficient and effective.

How to Use Postman for API Testing: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Sign Up for a Postman Account

Download and create an account on Postman’s website for Windows or MacOS.

Step 2. Create a New Request

Click the “New” button and select “HTTP Request” to start creating a new request.

Step 3: Enter Request Methods and Parameters

Input the URL, HTTP method, parameters, headers, and request body details as required.

Step 4. Send the Request

Press the “Send” button to test the API. The response, including status, headers, and body, will be displayed.

Step 5: Create a Postman Collection

Organize multiple requests into a collection by clicking “New,” selecting “Collection,” and providing a name and description.

Step 6: Add Requests to the Collection

Add your requests by clicking “Add Request,” entering the details, and saving them.

Step 7: Use the Postman Collection Runner

Run multiple requests simultaneously using the “Runner” button. Select your collection and start the run.

Step 8: Analyze the Test Results

View the test results to see which requests passed or failed and detailed information about each request.

Best Practices for API Testing Using Postman

Organize Collections and Environments

Utilize Collections and Environments to manage API requests and variables efficiently, supporting different settings like development, staging, and production.

Use Postman Environment Variables

Store data that may change across environments or test cases in variables, promoting reusability and easier maintenance.

Write Test Scripts

Leverage JavaScript in Postman’s built-in test runner to validate response data, status codes, and more, ensuring your API behaves as expected.

Use Data Files

For large or complex payloads, use data files to keep requests clean and maintainable.

Document API Requests

Generate clear and accurate API documentation using Postman’s built-in tools, aiding in developer understanding and consistency.

Version Control

Employ version control systems like Git to manage Collections, Environments, and other assets, enabling collaboration and change tracking.

Practice API Security Testing

Test for common security vulnerabilities like injection attacks, broken authentication, and data exposure.

Perform Load Testing

While Postman’s primary focus is functional testing, it can be integrated with third-party tools for performance assessment under load.

Apidog: The Best Postman Alternative for API Testing

Apidog offers advanced features to ensure comprehensive API testing. It supports unlimited custom test scenarios, detailed reporting, and a collaborative environment for team efficiency, at a more affordable price.

How to Test API With Apidog？

Test scenarios are used to run multiple APIs together in an orderly manner to test a complete business process.

Step 1: Sign Up for an Apidog Account
Visit the Apidog sign-up page, register for a free account, or connect via Google or GitHub.

Step 2: Create and Configure Your API
Click the “+” or “New Endpoint” and enter your endpoint URL.

Step 3: Create a New Test Scenario
Navigate to “Tests”, click “+”, and fill out the necessary details to set up your test scenario.

Step 4: Add a Testing Step or Import from APIs
Add a test step to your test scenario.

Step 5: Run Your Test and View Results
Click “Run” to execute your test, then review the results on the “Results” tab.

Apidog also features online test reports and CI/CD integration, further enhancing its capabilities.

Comparison Between Postman and Apidog

Postman and Apidog are popular API testing tools used for testing and monitoring APIs. While these two tools share several similar features and functionalities, they also have significant key differences.

Conclusion

Apidog is a feature-rich alternative to Postman, providing a more comprehensive API testing experience. Its advanced features, including customized test cases, detailed reporting, and load testing, offer developers unparalleled flexibility and power in their workflows. For a robust, flexible, and collaborative API testing tool, Apidog is definitely worth considering as a replacement for Postman.