API Testing | Advantages of api testing

API’s help not only in abstracting the underlying implementation but also improves the modularity and scalability of software applications. APIs encompass the business and functional logic and are a gateway to sensitive data and expose only objects actions that are needed.

API testing deals with testing the business logic of an application, which is typically encompassed in the business layer and is instrumental in handling all the transactions between the user interface and underlying data. It is deemed as a part of Integration testing that involves verification of functionality, performance, and robustness of APIs.

Besides checking for the functionality, API testing also tests for error condition handling, response handling in terms of time and data, performance issues, security issues, etc.

API testing also deals with contract testing, which in simpler terms, is verifying the compatibility and interactions between different services. The contract is between a client/consumer and API/service provider.

Clearly, API’s usage is not limited to just one application and in some cases, they can be used across many applications and are also used for third party integrations. Hence, developing and testing them thoroughly is extremely critical.

The following section highlights why thorough API testing entails many benefits in the long run.