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API Testing - Types of APIs

The document outlines various types of APIs including REST, SOAP, GraphQL, gRPC, and WebSocket, along with their testing approaches and tools. Each API type has distinct features and testing requirements, emphasizing the importance of understanding these differences for effective validation. The conclusion encourages readers to share their experiences with different API types.

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Joel C Joseph
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5 views

API Testing - Types of APIs

The document outlines various types of APIs including REST, SOAP, GraphQL, gRPC, and WebSocket, along with their testing approaches and tools. Each API type has distinct features and testing requirements, emphasizing the importance of understanding these differences for effective validation. The conclusion encourages readers to share their experiences with different API types.

Uploaded by

Joel C Joseph
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Yogesh Tyagi

@ytyagi782

Types of APIs
[ REST, SOAP, GraphQL, gRPC, WebSocket ]

Differences in
Their Testing

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ytyagi782/
Yogesh Tyagi
@ytyagi782

Types of APIs: REST, SOAP,


GraphQL, gRPC, WebSocket,
and Their Testing Differences
APIs power modern applications, enabling seamless
communication across platforms. Understanding
different API types and their testing strategies is
essential for effective testing. Let’s dive into key API
types, their use cases, and how to test them.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ytyagi782/
Yogesh Tyagi
@ytyagi782

REST
(Representational State Transfer)
REST APIs are lightweight, scalable, and follow HTTP
standards, making them ideal for web and mobile
applications. They use JSON or XML formats.

Testing Approach
Focus: Validate endpoints, HTTP methods, headers,
and response payloads.

Tools: Postman, RestAssured, JMeter.

Example Test:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ytyagi782/
Yogesh Tyagi
@ytyagi782

SOAP
(Simple Object Access Protocol)
SOAP APIs use XML messaging and are popular in
enterprise systems due to their robust security
features.

Testing Approach
Focus: Validate XML structure, WSDL files, and WS-
Security headers.

Tools: SoapUI, Postman (with additional


configuration).

Example Test:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ytyagi782/
Yogesh Tyagi
@ytyagi782

GraphQL
GraphQL allows clients to query only the data they
need, reducing over-fetching. It’s widely used in
modern apps requiring dynamic data retrieval.

Testing Approach
Focus: Verify schema, complex queries, and field-
level responses.

Tools: Postman, GraphiQL, Apollo Studio.

Example Test:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ytyagi782/
Yogesh Tyagi
@ytyagi782

gRPC
(Google Remote Procedure Call)
gRPC is a high-performance API framework that uses
Protocol Buffers (protobuf) for communication. It’s
ideal for microservices.

Testing Approach
Focus: Test request/response serialization, payloads,
and real-time streaming.

Tools: BloomRPC, Postman (experimental support).

Example Test:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ytyagi782/
Yogesh Tyagi
@ytyagi782

WebSocket
WebSocket APIs support full-duplex communication,
making them ideal for real-time applications like chat
and stock trading.

Testing Approach
Focus: Verify connection establishment, message
broadcasting, and real-time data sync.

Tools: Postman, Insomnia, K6.

Example Test:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ytyagi782/
Yogesh Tyagi
@ytyagi782

OpenAPI
OpenAPI provides API specifications, helping
developers document, share, and test APIs efficiently.

Testing Approach
Focus: Validate API specs, response structure, and
contract compliance.

Tools: SwaggerHub, Postman, Dredd.

Example Test:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ytyagi782/
Yogesh Tyagi
@ytyagi782

RPC
(Remote Procedure Call)
RPC APIs allow executing procedures remotely, often
used in legacy systems and microservices.

Testing Approach
Focus: Test procedure calls, parameter serialization,
and results.

Tools: Postman, Curl, Advanced REST Client.

Example Test:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ytyagi782/
Yogesh Tyagi
@ytyagi782

RPC
(Remote Procedure Call)

Ease Of
Aspect Data Format Use Cases Key Focus
Testing

REST JSON/XML Web/Mobile Apps Easy EndPoints, Payload

SOAP XML Enterprise Apps COmplex XML Validation

GraphQL JSON Dynamic Queries Moderate Schema/Queries

Streaming RPC
gRPC Portobuff Microsevices Complex
Calls

WebSocket JSON/Text Real-Time Apps Moderate Real-Time Data

OpenAPI YAML/JSON API Documentation Easy Contact Testing

Each API type has unique features and


testing needs. Understanding these
Conclusion: differences ensures comprehensive
validation. Which API type do you use
the most? Share your experience!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ytyagi782/
Yogesh Tyagi
@ytyagi782

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