What is API Testing?

API Testing is a type of software testing that involves testing application programming interfaces (APIs) directly. Unlike traditional user interface (UI) testing, API Testing focuses on verifying the functionality, reliability, performance, and security of APIs. This type of testing ensures that the API meets the expected standards and works as intended when integrated with other software components. By testing APIs directly, developers can identify issues at the integration level, which is crucial for maintaining robust and efficient software systems.

API Testing typically involves sending requests to API endpoints and validating the responses to ensure they match the expected outcomes. This includes checking the accuracy of data returned, the status codes, response times, and the handling of various types of inputs, including edge cases and invalid data. Tools such as Postman, SOAPUI, and JMeter are commonly used to facilitate API Testing. By thoroughly testing APIs, teams can ensure that their applications are reliable, scalable, and capable of interacting seamlessly with other services and systems.