What exactly does the API testing do?

Before getting into API testing, you need to firstly understand what an API is. API, Application Programming Interface, is a logic written by developers in any language that allows two software programs to communicate with each other. For example, API is used to add navigation to mobile apps, validate customer bank account information and integrate a patient’s records with third-party billing.

In the software development process, there are three layers which are presentation layer, business layer, and database layer. Presentation layer is about front-ends and user interface. Business layer is about business logic or how applications have to perform and in what function. Data layer is , of course, a database.

Where API is performed is in between the business and database layer. Developers create a request to the data layer then the data layer will send the response back to the business layers.

Thus, API testing is software testing specifically for APIs whether they meet functionality, performance, reliability, and security expectations.

The benefits of API testing

Time efficiency

API testing is known for its speediness in delivering results and significantly accelerating workflow in software development. API testing is known for its speediness in delivering results and significantly accelerating workflow in software development.

API tests do not need to wait for GUI to be ready. They can start in the early agile development cycle, which helps you gain feedback and catch issues faster.

API testing consists of two methodologies which are automation testing and manual testing. Both are suitable for different types of projects, or we can use both methodologies in the same projects to ensure.

The high complexity of workflow projects need API automation to reduce workload and working hours. There are many tools for API automation testing such as Katalon, Postman, Fiddler etc.

However, sometimes QA chooses manual testing methodology if the project is less complicated because of lesser time to set up.

Reduced costs

API testing is known for its speediness in delivering results and significantly accelerating workflow in software development. API testing is known for its speediness in delivering results and significantly accelerating workflow in software development.

API tests do not need to wait for GUI to be ready. They can start in the early agile development cycle, which helps you gain feedback and catch issues faster.

API testing consists of two methodologies which are automation testing and manual testing. Both are suitable for different types of projects, or we can use both methodologies in the same projects to ensure.

The high complexity of workflow projects need API automation to reduce workload and working hours. There are many tools for API automation testing such as Katalon, Postman, Fiddler etc.

However, sometimes QA chooses manual testing methodology if the project is less complicated because of lesser time to set up.

A better user experience

As mentioned before, API helps increase the satisfaction of user experience, but without API testing, applications can perform worse.

API testing is specifically designed to verify that between the layers of business logic and the data-base layer work cohesively. It uncovers potential defects in the interfaces, servers, and database, improving the overall software performance and contributing to a better user experience.

The modern day challenges of API testing

In one project, QA who do API testing can vary from two to ten persons depending on project complexity.

A testing project may have a few to hundreds of API for testing, so task management and communication within the teams is important to ensure every member of the stack is a top notch performer and is a team player.

However, it’s challenging to find an efficient team. While the dramatic increases of API usage in the software development industry, talented API testers are in need among many companies and inadequate API testers to feed the industry.

The state of API developer survey 2021 shows the technical talent shortage as a main challenge going into 2022 cited by 56% developers.

Nevertheless, Seven Peaks Software provides high quality software assurance and senior software extension teams.

Our team works in agile and systematic, and plays great attention to detail while testing to ensure your application will be deployed efficiently and responsively.

Conclusion

In order to survive in world fast-changing environments, API is crucial for companies across industry to consider and start the adoption. However, API alone cannot lead you to the goals, so you also need API testing. With the testing, there are several key advantages, including faster releases, cost efficiency, and higher user satisfaction.

Seven Peaks Software provides professional QA teams. Our teams of API testing experts merge both manual and automated testing to maximize time efficiency, budget efficiency, and test coverage. Have a talk with us then we will introduce you to our specific API testing process, so your application can be deployed with cost efficiency, time efficiency, and maximized user experience.

Interested in the software QA extension teams that Seven Peaks Software has to offer? Visit our Software Quality Assurance Services page with more information.