API testing starts by constructing a request with the target method, endpoint, headers, query parameters, and body. Authentication is applied before the request is sent, so the probe reaches the API with the required credentials or tokens. The test runner then captures the response payload, status code, headers, and timing, evaluates assertions against those values, and forwards the outcome into logs and reporting for traceability.
How API Testing Works
Build requests, attach auth, send probes, validate responses, and route results into logs and reporting.
Start testingEnd-to-end request and response flow
Core mechanics
Request setup
Define the endpoint, method, headers, parameters, and body that form the outbound request. This is the exact probe the test sends to the API.
Authentication handling
Attach the required auth context before dispatch, such as tokens, keys, or session data. The request is sent only after authentication data is included.
Probe and capture
Send the probe and capture the returned status code, payload, and response headers. Timing data can also be recorded alongside the response.
Assertions
Check expected status codes and compare response payload fields against the required values. Assertion results determine whether the test passes or fails.
Logging and reporting
Write the result of each probe to logs, then aggregate outcomes into reporting views. This preserves the request, response, and assertion context for review.
Common implementation questions
What gets validated in a probe?
A probe typically validates the response status code and selected payload fields, along with any headers or timing data you choose to record.
When is authentication applied?
Authentication is applied before the request is sent, so the outbound probe contains the credentials, token, or session context required by the endpoint.
What is captured from the response?
The response capture usually includes the status code, payload, headers, and any recorded latency, making it usable for assertions and reporting.
How do results move into reporting?
After assertions run, the test outcome is written to logs and then aggregated into reporting so each request and response can be reviewed in context.