Before we explore all the benefits of API testing, let’s first compare the differences between API testing and GUI (or Graphical User Interface) testing. We shouldn’t ignore the benefits of GUI testing after all, it’s essential to test how your consumers interact with your application’s user interface. That being said, the key benefits of using API testing can improve your test cycle coverage, save resources, and lead to faster, more efficient releases. Based on your project timeline, integration requirements, and desired features, these six benefits of API testing can contribute to your product outcomes, consumer engagement, and security:
Access Without a User Interface
A key benefit of API testing is access to the application without a user interface or users to interact with the system. In other words, QA testers can run API tests without using a software application. This is a big advantage because it gives QA engineers early insight into defects and bugs, so developers can fix problems before they affect the GUI.
Basic Functionality Test
Testing an application’s functionality at the code level provides an early assessment of its overall build strength before running GUI tests. This helps detect small bugs that may spread to become larger problems during GUI testing. The basic approach enables testing in tandem with development, promotes communication and better collaboration between both teams. This is especially beneficial if you are doing API testing with an offshore QA team.
Time Efficient
One of the main differences between API and GUI testing is that API testing is much less time consuming than functional GUI testing. GUI testing requires querying web page elements, which can significantly slow down the testing process. And what is API testing best known for than its speed in delivering results. Your QA UI testing team can expect comparable time savings. Because API test automation requires less code, it provides better and faster test coverage than automated GUI tests. The end result of faster testing is a reduction in overall testing costs.
Language Independent
As mentioned, the test API exchanges data using XML or JSON. These transport modes are completely language-independent, meaning that you can choose any base language for your application when using automated testing services.
Easy Integration With GUI
With API Tester, highly integrable tests are possible. This is especially useful if you plan to perform GUI functional tests after API testing. For example, easy integration would allow new users to be created within the application before starting a GUI test