API Testing vs Web Services Testing

API Testing vs Web Services Testing

While APIs and Web Services are related to each other to some extent, several factors will help differentiate between them. Before diving deep into the differences, it is important to understand what the purpose of these is both Testing types are.

An API is a set of data structures, protocols, and routines provided by the libraries that support building an application. A Web Service, on the other hand, is to support communication between two machines in a network.

Both software here are means of communication. Web services include communication over the network most of the time with HTTP being the most common protocol used. API however, comes as a mode of communication regardless if it includes a network or not.

Communication in Web Services is also carried out through SOAP, REST, and CMP-RPC as the modes of interaction. Similarly in API, it can be carried out through DLL files in C/C, Interrupts in Linux Kernel APIs, Jar files, etc.

How is API and Web Service Testing Performed?

Any APIs or Web Services that are available in the public domain have to be Tested before they are available in the market. They need to go through vigilant QA processes to ensure there are no loopholes that hackers and spammers utilize to harm the software.

Since QA outsourcing has become relatively common these days, diverse methods are used by Testers to Test APIs and web services. As one of the Best QA Outsourcing Companies, we at Sapizon Technologies follow a similar path.

The API Testing Approach

In API Testing, it is important to take care of few attributes before proceeding with the process. They are:

• To understand the functionality of the program.
• Determine the scope of the program to ensure relevant usage.
• Write test cases for the APIs.
• Define every parameter of the API in a proper format to track loopholes.

Once all these factors are attended to, API Tests are executed and test results are compared to verify if the API is working properly. To ensure optimal functioning, few additional test methods must be included along with the SDLC process. They are:

Discovery Testing

Every set of calls must be executed manually and documented in the API. For instance, the test group should check if a certain resource that is being exposed by the API while the application is running can be listed, created, and deleted when it is required to avoid exposure.

Security Testing

Here, the Test group must determine if the API uses authentication or not. In case it does not, they will mark it insecure, and then the security level of authentication is used if it is required.

It is imperative to check if the data that is transferred from one location to another is properly encrypted which makes this phase pivotal.

Documentation

Documentation of the Test results should be detailed and well explained at every step. Thus, API Testing documentation is also required.

Web Service Testing Approach

In Web Services Testing, Testers are supposed to create their own code. Here are a few aspects that need to be understood beginning the process.

• Web services can be called by a software application using the HTTP protocol or SOAP.
• The most common approaches to implementing web services are SOAP and REST.
• Software applications interact with each other and share their data through web services.
• SOAP works on the basis of data exchange via XML while REST is based on data exchange via CML and simple URL.
• An XML based language known as WSDL is used to define services offered by SOAP.

The following pointers are involved in Web Services Testing

• Understanding the WSDL file in the web service and its functionality.
• Determining the operations that web service can render under the testing phase.
• Testers also need to determine the request formats that should be sent for transfer based on XML and also the response received.
• Using tools to send and receive requests.
• Documentation of testing to ensure smooth functioning devoid of loopholes.

Conclusion

Both APIs and web services need to be tested thoroughly based on the defined protocols to ensure they are safe to use both on and off the network. Each of these aspects is tested with a different approach and the testers must understand when they implement the process.

At Sapizon Technologies, we are considered one of the Best Software Testing Companies for outsourcing. Our team of QA experts possesses the valuable experience and relevant skills for managing even the most stringent Testing Processes.

For a detailed briefing on our services, we are offering a free consultancy with our QA professionals.