Mastering API Testing in Reflect

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Overview of Reflex API Testing Feature
3. Use Cases for Reflex API Testing
4. Testing Trello: Background
5. Pure UI Test vs. Combined UI and API Test
6. Creating a Card Directly through Trello's API
7. Setting Up Data for End-to-End Test
8. Recording and Logging In to Trello
9. Adding API Call to Generate New Card
10. Entering Dynamic Information for API Call
11. Extracting Information from API Response
12. Adding Rules for Validation (Optional)
13. Navigating to the Card URL
14. Testing and Validating the New Card
15. Benefits of Reflex API Testing
16. Conclusion

Testing Trello with Reflex API Testing

In this article, we will explore the Reflex API Testing feature and its usage in testing Trello, a popular project management tool. We will specifically focus on the process of setting up data as part of a larger end-to-end test.

1. Introduction

API testing plays a crucial role in ensuring the functionality and reliability of software applications. With Reflex API testing, testers can Create end-to-end tests that combine user interface (UI) actions with direct API calls. This powerful feature allows for a seamless testing experience by simplifying the test setup and validation process.

2. Overview of Reflex API Testing Feature

Reflex API testing feature enables testers to incorporate API calls into their tests alongside UI actions like clicks and inputs. This integration provides a holistic approach to testing, ensuring thorough validation of the application's behavior.

3. Use Cases for Reflex API Testing

Reflex API testing feature serves multiple use cases, but two specific scenarios stand out where this functionality becomes valuable. The first use case involves setting up data at the beginning of a test, while the Second revolves around validating data from third-party systems.

4. Testing Trello: Background

To better understand Reflex API testing, let's consider a practical example using Trello as the testing platform. Trello is a widely used project management tool that organizes work into boards, lists, and cards. We will focus on the process of editing a card within Trello as part of a larger end-to-end test.

5. Pure UI Test vs. Combined UI and API Test

In a pure UI test, one would need to go through the entire process of logging into Trello, creating a board, creating a card, and then modifying the card. While this approach is effective, it can be time-consuming in complex testing scenarios. However, by leveraging the Reflex API testing feature, we can simplify this process by creating a card directly through Trello's API.

6. Creating a Card Directly through Trello's API

The Reflex API testing feature allows testers to add API calls to their test flow seamlessly. In the case of Trello, we can directly make a POST request to create a new card. This not only saves time but also streamlines the test setup process.

7. Setting Up Data for End-to-End Test

To begin testing Trello with Reflex API testing, we need to create a segment in Reflex that logs us into Trello. A segment is a reusable set of test steps that can be shared across multiple tests. Once logged in, we can start recording our test steps.

8. Recording and Logging In to Trello

In the recording phase, Reflex will automatically log us into Trello using the previously created segment. This eliminates the need to manually perform the login step for each test iteration. Once logged in, we can proceed to add an API call to generate a new card.

9. Adding API Call to Generate New Card

Within the Reflex API testing interface, we can add a new step to make an API call. By clicking on the "Add an API call" button, we can specify the necessary information for the API call, such as the request Type (POST), API key, API token, card details, and the board to which the card should be added.

10. Entering Dynamic Information for API Call

To make the test more robust and realistic, we can incorporate dynamic information into the API call. For example, we can generate a random number to append to the card's name using the "num" function in Reflex. This ensures that each test iteration creates a unique card.

11. Extracting Information from API Response

After making the API call, we can extract Relevant information from the response for further validation. In the case of creating a new card in Trello, we can extract the URL of the card from the response body. The extracted URL will be stored in a variable for future use.

12. Adding Rules for Validation (Optional)

If needed, we can add rules to validate the extracted information. These rules can range from exact value matching to mathematical calculations Based on existing data. In our example, we will focus on extracting the card URL without additional validation.

13. Navigating to the Card URL

Once we have extracted the card URL, we can instruct Reflex to navigate directly to the card by using the "use URL from variable" option. This ensures that the subsequent test steps Interact with the newly created card.

14. Testing and Validating the New Card

Now that We Are navigated to the card URL, we can perform various test actions on the newly created card. This includes visual validations, editing the card's description, and even deleting the card. By incorporating both UI and API testing, we can cover a wider range of test scenarios efficiently.

15. Benefits of Reflex API Testing

The Reflex API testing feature offers several benefits to testers. It simplifies the test setup process, reduces the number of steps required, improves test maintainability, and allows for a more holistic approach to testing applications that rely on both UI and API interactions.

16. Conclusion

In conclusion, Reflex API testing feature provides a powerful tool for testers to create end-to-end tests efficiently. By combining UI actions with API calls, testers can streamline the test setup process and perform thorough validations. Testing Trello using Reflex API testing showcases the benefits of this feature in improving testing effectiveness and efficiency. Happy testing!