In the rapidly evolving field of software development, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) have become indispensable elements, facilitating seamless communication and interaction among diverse software systems. Employers now highly value individuals possessing recognized quality assurance certification, emphasizing the importance of enrolling in structured qa tester training programs.
This discussion thoroughly explores the top 15 API testing interview questions, offering comprehensive answers to empower aspiring candidates with valuable insights to excel in their API testing interviews in 2024.
Understanding APIs:
API (Application Programming Interface): A compilation of functions and procedures defining communication between software components. API testing involves a meticulous examination of these functions.
TestApi: A library of utility and test APIs aiding developers and testers in constructing automated tests and tools for .NET and Win32 applications. It provides standard test types, building blocks, data structures, and algorithms.
RESTful API: An architectural paradigm emphasizing interoperability, scalability, and simplicity in networked application architecture.
SOAP API: Utilizes XML for structured data exchange in web service implementations, offering guidelines for message exchange, error handling, and security.
Explaining API Documentation:
API documentation is an exhaustive manual detailing how to use and communicate with an API. It covers request and response forms, authentication and authorization techniques, error handling, API endpoints, and other pertinent features.
Common Protocols in API Testing:
HTTP, JMS, REST, SOAP, UDDI.
HTTP Status Codes in API Testing:
Used to indicate the result of an API request, with three-digit numbers included in the server's response message.
Role of Headers in Testing APIs:
Crucial for regulating and managing API requests and responses.
JSON in API Testing:
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a simple data exchange format efficiently used for serialization and deserialization in RESTful APIs.
API Framework Overview:
The API framework involves a config file holding adjustable components and values for test runs, along with automated test cases in "parse-table" format. Not every API needs testing, and the config file should enable or disable specific APIs for a particular run.
Tools for API Test Automation:
NUnit for .NET, JUnit for Java, HP UFT, and SoapUI.
Handling API Authentication in Tests:
Involves embedding authentication elements like tokens, API keys, or OAuth credentials within the proper headers or query parameters of API requests to ensure secure access and validation.
Use of Query Parameters in API Testing:
Query parameters convey additional details within the URL of an API request, enabling customization.
Handling Dynamic Values in API Testing:
Techniques like data-driven testing, parameterization, or test data management address dynamic values like timestamps or random data.
Challenges of API Testing:
Selection of Parameters
Combination of parameters
Call sequencing
In conclusion, participating in qa software tester training imparts theoretical knowledge and provides practical insights into the latest QA methodologies and tools. From fundamental concepts to advanced scenarios, these questions and answers aim to prepare individuals for the challenges posed during API testing interviews, enabling them to showcase their expertise in this crucial domain.