API automation testing is a specific testing process wherein test scripts are created through which interactions are simulated with the API endpoints, responses are validated and requests are sent. When the process is automated, development workflows are improved, consistent API performance is ensured and the risk of malfunctions or errors is minimized. In this article, you will get to know the additional benefits of API automation testing. What is API automation testing? It is a testing method that focuses on ensuring that the Application Programming Interface (API) functions and performs appropriately. The APIs are tested for efficiency, compatibility, and correctness. API automation testing makes sure that the APIs are functioning as per the required expectations and thus are able to meet customer and business-specific requirements. The following are the additional benefits of API automation testing: API integrations and calls are allowed with third-party systems The regression and integration testing in an agile environment is simplified Less amount of time is consumed when it comes to changes being made in complex solutions The software testing process is carried out thoroughly and quickly Faster release cycles and a shorter time-to-market are ensured Better adaptation to user's needs and faster feedback is possible Integration issues are exposed across the entire system Enough effort and time are saved and the action is taken immediately The product quality is enhanced and Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Development (CD) processes are streamlined The data that is coming from external resources are properly analyzed by the API automation testing platform Better test coverage, reduced costs and faster testing are expected through the API test automation platform It confidently copes with frequent changes and short release cycles. The process of API automated testing: 1. The areas that need to be tested should be identified: In order to properly automate API testing, the areas to be tested should be identified by the team. For example, the response time of the API calls needs to be tested. In this scenario, a tool is needed, so that the load can be generated against the API. 2. Test cases need to be created: Once the areas to be tested have been properly identified then test cases need to be created. All the aspects of API are covered by designing test cases, including security testing and reliability. 3. Testing tools need to be configured: The test environment needs to be set up and the appropriate settings for the tests need to be selected 4. Test execution: Finally, the tests need to be executed and the results need to be collected. You can do this manually or a tool such as Travis CI or Jenkins can be used. Test results can then be scrutinized so that potential problems or errors can be identified. API automation testing best practices: 1. Design and planning: Automated tests should be properly designed and planned. This will in turn make sure that UI testing procedures are efficient and any unexpected problems are not being caused. 2. Test early and often: Performance needs to be checked with different types of API testing like regression testing, penetration testing, REST API testing and GUI tests. 3. Simplifying is the key: Automated tests should be kept as simple as possible. Through this, the chances of success will increase and the risk of errors will be reduced. 4. Documentation maintenance: Automated tests are properly documented. Proper tracking can be done through this documentation in terms of what has been tested and what needs to be carried out in the next phases. Conclusion: If you are looking forward to implementing API automation testing for your specific project, then do get connected with a rewarding software testing services company that will provide you professional testing consultation and solutions that can be of great help for your project specific requirements.