Top 6 Challenges of API Testing

4 min readSep 4, 2019

API Testing forms a core part of testing web applications. Generally, an Application programming interface (API) testing is defined as a means to “secure as well as optimize communication between various platforms, examining diverse components comprising pinpointing flaws, debugging, finding inconsistencies, lock down security & gauging performance. Testing APIs is faster than functional GUI test which overall guarantees core functionality & can easily incorporate with GUI testing. As with any attempt, some challenges will occur. Testing APIs is not an exception.

Starting with the benefits, it helps to discover some problems before they turn out to the aggressive one. It is time and cost-effective, as it always takes lesser time than functional GUI tests. The transfer model for API testing is language-independent, connotation you can prefer any language while executing API test. It can also be a central part of integration testing, for example with the GUI at a later phase. Other advantages are creating a better synergy among development teams & creating quick outcomes by reducing reliance on preconditions by isolating elements.

Below you’ll find the following 5 most common challenges encountered while testing APIs:

1. Initial Setting up of API Testing

Getting the initial set up of test infrastructure and running is one of the critical challenges of the process, not because it is an arduous task, but because it can be a considerable motivation-killer. Once you manage to motivate the dedicated software testing team to get through the important procedure, it pays off over the long-term.

Solution to the Challenge: After setting up your API testing environment, you can start with the collaboration of your app data with your API tests to make sure that the API performs as expected.

2. Updating the API Testing’ Schema

The schema in other sense, the data formatting that handles requirements and requests for the API –necessary to be maintained throughout the test procedure. Any up gradation to the program that creates added parameters for the API calls should be reflecting in the schema configuration.

Solution to the Challenge: In the current API economy, having an ever-changing Application programming interface helps facilitate the demand. But, there can be downtime caused by those modifications. The best method to avoid that is to comprehensively API test in alpha and beta environments. The possibilities of complications can easily decrease by 80–85 % percent when testing in such environments.

3. Testing All Possible Parameter Request Combinations

APIs handle communication amid systems by passing on data values to parameters & transiting those parameters through data needs. It is very crucial for testing all the essential parameter blending in the API to test for flaws about specific configurations. The bigger project could wind up assigning two varied values to the similar limits or create instances where numerical values appear when text values should be. Addition of extra parameter exponentially increases the no. of likely combinations.

Solution to the Challenge: Pick applications that are not complex to everyday operations. This way you can see how the API is being utilized, plus if any configurational modifications that require to be made to have a GA (general availability) release.

4. Testing team finding Validating Parameters challenging

Validating the parameters is one of the most essential things but challenging sometimes. It must demonstrate how fast you are serving those parameters. The team needs to be sure every single crucial parameter data uses the appropriate string or numerical data type, fits within an assigned value range, fits within length limitations, and passes another validation criterion.

Solution to the Challenge: This can be solved by having continuous synthetic API monitoring to grab the issues early on. Besides, it must be combined with an APM solution to get a complete 360-degree view.

5. Tracking System Integration

Finally, this challenge ensures that the API system is working properly with the data tracking system. This is critical to bring back correct responses on whether or not a call is working accurately. It’s also utilized to examine APIs performance. As this particular step can come late in the process, the expert tester may find it too exhausted to give it the interest it required.

Solution to the Challenge: Focus on the applications in the designing phase and check out how well it will integrate with other systems. Various apps have diverse needs that need to be met. Try to make certain that you are not causing your apps to fail by testing in parallel with critical integration systems. It is accomplished by implementing load testing in your continuous delivery.