What should an API smoke test consist of?

API smoke tests are designed to verify the core functionality of an application by focusing on the critical user journey. They typically include the following: Application launch: Smoke tests verify that the application launches successfully. Login: Smoke tests verify that the user can log in. Basic navigation: Smoke tests verify that the user can navigate the application's interface. Data entry: Smoke tests verify that the user can enter data. Here are some other characteristics of API smoke tests: Quick and easy: Smoke tests are designed to run quickly and easily. Non-exhaustive: Smoke tests don't check every feature or bug. Automation: Smoke tests are well-suited for automation using testing tools. After passing smoke testing, a build is typically moved on to sanity testing to ensure stability and integration with existing features. read less

_An API Smoke Test:_

 

An API smoke test should consist of a series of high-level tests that verify the API's critical functionalities and overall stability. Here are some essential components to include:

 

1. _Authentication and Authorization_: Test authentication mechanisms, such as API keys, tokens, or credentials, to ensure proper access control.

2. _Endpoint Verification_: Test each API endpoint to ensure it returns the expected response, including:

    - HTTP status codes (200, 404, 500, etc.)

    - Response headers

    - Response body (JSON, XML, etc.)

3. _Request and Response Formats_: Verify that the API accepts and returns data in the expected formats (JSON, XML, etc.).

4. _Data Validation_: Test data validation for each endpoint, including:

    - Input validation

    - Output validation

5. _Error Handling_: Test error handling mechanisms, including:

    - Error codes

    - Error messages

    - Exception handling

6. _Performance and Scalability_: Perform basic performance and scalability tests, such as:

    - Response times

    - Throughput

    - Resource utilization

7. _Security_: Test basic security measures, such as:

    - SSL/TLS encryption

    - Input sanitization

    - Rate limiting

8. _Documentation and Schema Compliance_: Verify that the API documentation and schema (OpenAPI, Swagger, etc.) match the actual API behavior.

 

_Scope and Depth:_

 

Keep in mind that a smoke test should be a high-level, quick, and focused test suite. It's not meant to be an exhaustive or detailed test, but rather a sanity check to ensure the API is functioning as expected.

 

_Example:_

 

For a simple API with two endpoints, `/users` and `/orders`, a smoke test might include:

 

1. Test authentication with a valid API key

2. Verify `/users` returns a list of users with expected fields (e.g., `id`, `name`, `email`)

3. Verify `/orders` returns a list of orders with expected fields (e.g., `id`, `user_id`, `total`)

4. Test error handling by sending an invalid request to `/users`

5. Verify response times are within acceptable limits (< 500ms)

 

Remember to keep your smoke test concise and focused on critical functionalities.

 

Do you have any further questions about API smoke testing?

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