API Testing

APIs, or Application Programming Interfaces, are the connecting tissue between different systems or layers of an application. Applications often have three layers: a data layer, a service (API) layer, and a presentation (UI) layer. The API layer contains the business logic of an application - the rules of how users can interact with services, data, or functions of the app.  Because the API or service layer directly touches both the data layer and the presentation layer, it presents the sweet spot of continuous testing for QA and Development teams. While traditional testing has been focused on the UI, the advantages of API testing are becoming well known.

While there are many aspects of API testing, it generally consists of making requests to a single or sometimes multiple API endpoints and validates the response - whether for performance, security, functional correctness, or just a status check. While UI testing may focus on validating the look and feel of a web interface or that a particular payment button works - API testing puts much more emphasis on the testing of business logic, data responses and security, and performance bottlenecks.

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The Benefits of API Testing

Earlier Testing

Easier Test Maintenance 

Faster Time To Resolution 

Speed and Coverage of Testing