How do I 1. understand api fundamentals?

# API Basics Start by learning core concepts: - **HTTP Methods**: GET (retrieve), POST (create), PUT (update), DELETE. - **Status Codes**: 200 OK, 404 Not Found, 500 Internal Server Error. - **Request/Response**: Headers, Body (JSON/XML), Query Params. **Practice**: - Read [Postman API Testing Guide](https://www.postman.com/api-platform/api-testing). 81 - Use free public API: [JSONPlaceholder](https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com/) – no auth needed. Send a manual GET to `https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com/posts/1` using browser or curl: ```bash curl -X GET https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com/posts/1 ``` Observe JSON response with `id`, `title`, `body`.

How do I 2. install postman and send requests?

# Setup Postman 1. Download [Postman](https://www.postman.com/downloads/) (free). 2. Create account, new workspace. 3. Create request: - Method: GET - URL: `https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com/posts/1` - Click **Send**. 4. Explore tabs: Headers, Body, Tests. **Validate Manually**: - Status: 200 - Body: JSON with `userId: 1`, etc. Try POST: ```json { "title": "foo", "body": "bar", "userId": 1 } ``` To `https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com/posts` – expect 201 Created.

How do I 3. write basic test scripts?

# Automate Validations In Postman **Tests** tab (JavaScript): ```javascript pm.test("Status code is 200", function () { pm.response.to.have.status(200); }); pm.test("Response is JSON", function () { pm.response.to.be.json; }); pm.test("Has userId", function () { var jsonData = pm.response.json(); pm.expect(jsonData.userId).to.eql(1); }); ``` **Run**: Send request – see **Test Results** tab. Test more: Response time 80

How do I 4. use variables and authentication?

# Dynamic Testing 1. Create **Environment** (e.g., `baseUrl = https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com`). 2. Use `{{baseUrl}}/posts/1` in URL. 3. **Auth**: For APIs needing it, e.g., Bearer Token tab. Test chaining: - POST new post → save ID to var: `pm.environment.set("postId", pm.response.json().id);` - GET `{{baseUrl}}/posts/{{postId}}`. **Practice**: Use [ReqRes API](https://reqres.in/) for login/register (basic auth example).

How do I 5. build collections and automate?

# Full Test Suites 1. Group requests in **Collection**. 2. **Collection Runner**: Run all, export Newman JSON. 3. **Newman CLI** for automation: ```bash npm install -g newman newman run collection.json -e env.json ``` 4. Best practices: Tag tests, mock responses, monitor. 81 **Folderize**: GETs, POSTs, Edge Cases.

Master API Testing in 5 Practical Steps

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Step-by-Step Guide

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API Basics

Start by learning core concepts:

HTTP Methods: GET (retrieve), POST (create), PUT (update), DELETE.
Status Codes: 200 OK, 404 Not Found, 500 Internal Server Error.
Request/Response: Headers, Body (JSON/XML), Query Params.

Practice:

Read Postman API Testing Guide.
Use free public API: JSONPlaceholder – no auth needed.

Send a manual GET to https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com/posts/1 using browser or curl:

curl -X GET https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com/posts/1

Observe JSON response with id, title, body.

Why this step matters:

-Builds foundation to interpret API behaviors accurately
-Enables confident troubleshooting in real projects

1-2 hours

Browser, cURL, JSONPlaceholder API

$0

Definition of Done

•Explain HTTP methods and status codes
•Parse a sample JSON response manually

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Confusing GET with POST

→Remember GET retrieves, POST sends data in body

❌ Ignoring status codes

→Always check first line of response (e.g., 200 OK)

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Learning Resources

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📖 Recommended Books

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🌐 Helpful Websites

Postman Learning Center

documentation

Official docs, tutorials, and paths for API testing

JSONPlaceholder

practice

Free fake REST API for testing

🛠️ Useful Tools

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Master API Testing in 5 Practical Steps