Insomnia API – How to Test APIs With Insomnia
Insomnia API is an open source desktop application that enables the design, debugging, and testing of APIs. It features an intuitive user interface as well as advanced features like authentication helpers, code generation, and environment variables.
API testing is a form of software testing that utilizes an API to verify whether an application meets expected security, performance and functionality standards. It also assists developers in detecting bugs, errors and performance issues before the product goes into development.
When selecting an API client for testing, several factors must be taken into account such as documentation, body types, dynamic values and authentication. Documentation is vital since it explains how an API works and what data should be sent to it.
One way to accomplish this is by creating an API document that clearly outlines how the API functions. This should be done according to the OpenAPI spec.
Next, you can host your API document using Redoc, an open-source application that makes it accessible to other developers. Redoc takes an OpenAPI YAML file and displays it in a browser-friendly HTML page.
Redoc’s generated document can be especially beneficial for APIs with complex parameters and response bodies, as it clearly outlines each request’s details along with its associated responses. This helps developers gain a better understanding of each request’s context.
Insomnia also provides a plugin that enables developers to insert dynamic values into HTTP requests. This is especially useful during testing, since it lets you chain together multiple requests that replicate an application’s or user’s behavior.
