Best API testing tools in 2023

In these intensely competitive times, it has become vital for software developers to ensure every app they make is perfect in terms of performance and user experience. Developers comprehensively test their applications using the latest automation testing techniques rather than relying on manual methods. As per Truelist, a study conducted in 2020 says 44% of companies incorporated automation in half of their testing to get its benefits.

Tests like API testing have assumed a lot of importance in recent years since they allow development and other teams to begin testing an application’s core functionality even before the user interface is ready. This lets them identify errors early on in the development process. Let us first get to know what API testing is and why it is so important.

Understanding API Testing

Application Programming Interface(API) is like a bridge that allows multiple software applications to interact with each other. It’s like having a common language for them to communicate and work together in the digital space. But to make sure this communication is smooth and dependable, we need to put these APIs to the test. 

That’s where API Testing tools come into play. These tools make the tedious task of API testing a breeze by automating the process. 

API Testing is a bit like quality control for APIs. It makes sure that the software that makes different apps communicate is doing its job properly. It’s a way of confirming whether these APIs perform tasks to their maximum capacity.

Types of API testing:

• Functional Testing: It focuses on evaluating the functionality of the API at the code level.
• Performance Testing: It evaluates the API’s performance under various load conditions to make sure it can handle multiple requests in parallel. It assesses the API’s scalability and responsiveness.
• Security Testing: The API can be utilized for security testing. The API, which is publicly exposed needs to be evaluated against security requirements

Now that you have a fair idea about API Testing and its significance, your next step is to choose an automation testing tool most suited to your needs. 

Best Tools For API Testing:

Each of the tools listed below is excellent for API testing and has its unique features and advantages.

1. TestGrid

TestGrid is a prominent software testing platform that offers comprehensive end-to-end testing for applications. It expedites the testing process with its AI-powered features and helps businesses deliver top-notch digital experiences quickly. Its robust capabilities not only save time and resources but also speed up go-to-market strategies.

Key Features:

• Leverages artificial intelligence for more efficient API test creation, execution, and maintenance.
• Provides the ability to create test cases that validate against API calls
• Offers API integration automation testing and transaction monitoring
• Provides a detailed report of the number of request data, source types, speed duration, etc.
• Codeless automation allows users to create test cases without writing codes.
• Speeds up the testing process by allowing multiple tests to run simultaneously.
• Supports testing of mobile applications on multiple real devices and browsers, ensuring optimal functionality and compatibility across all platforms
• Ensures the security of your application, looking for vulnerabilities and potential threats.
• Facilitates continuous testing and identifies errors at early stages of development

2. Katalon Platform

Katalon Platform is your go-to solution for streamlined testing. It’s super convenient because it bundles all the frameworks, ALM integrations, and plugins into one neat package, making deployment a breeze.

Key Features:

• Provides support for both SOAP and REST requests
• Supports data-driven testing, leading to better test coverage and performance
• Offers an easy-to-use UI and excellent features suitable for projects of all sizes
• Allows integrations with native CI/CD tools like Jenkins and Azure DevOps
• Offers an in-built reporting platform that centralizes reports and activities across tool stacks and version control systems

3. TestSigma

TestSigma, driven by the power of AI, takes the complexity out of API testing. It speeds up your development process by accelerating your testing processes. It improves test coverage and ensures the quality and authenticity of web and mobile applications.

Key Features: 

• Allows users to frame and execute API test cases without requiring any coding skills.
• Saves precious time by validating API in real time
• Supports a variety of API tests like unit, integration, and contract tests
• Comes with mobile testing capabilities, including support for both Android and iOS platforms.
• Reduces time consumption by letting you simultaneously run tests on multiple browsers or devices.

4. SoapUI

SoapUI stands as one of the leading Open-Source API Testing tools backed by the SmartBear community. It has an easy-to-understand user interface with drag-and-drop features that even inexperienced testers can employ.

Key Features: 

• Offers an intuitive drag-and-drop feature, making it accessible for users without advanced technical expertise
• Debugging SoapUI tests is straightforward, thanks to its clean user interface.
• It can be employed for performance testing and load testing
• Easily set up tests for various environments like QA, staging, or production.
• Supports vulnerability scanning techniques, making it suitable for security testing.

5. ACCELQ

ACCELQ is a unique cloud-based continuous testing platform. It can automate API and web testing effortlessly without the need for coding skills. IT teams of all sizes benefit from ACCELQ since it speeds up their testing processes. 

Key Features:

• Easily automates API testing without coding.
• Seamlessly integrates API and UI testing.
• Efficiently manages API test cases, test planning, execution, and tracking.
• Dynamic management of testing environments.
• Reduces the cost associated with changes and maintenance in testing.

Conclusion

When it comes to API test automation in 2023, one platform shines brighter than the rest, and that’s TestGrid. In the fast-paced era of software, it can handle multiple tests at once, speeding things up. Its codeless automation testing capabilities make creating and running tests seamless, making your apps top-notch, reliable, cost-efficient, and ready to impress users. 

TestGrid, a secure and cost-effective cloud-based testing platform, ensures the software products you test are free from bugs and errors and perfect in functionality and user experience.