Step-by-Step Tutorial to Automate API Testing in Postman with Venkatesh (Rahul Shetty)
In today's fast-paced development world, manual API testing just doesn’t cut it. Automation has become the cornerstone of efficient and reliable API testing. If you're just starting out or want to upgrade your skills, this step-by-step tutorial to automate API testing in Postman guided by concepts from experts like Venkatesh (Rahul Shetty) will help you master everything from basic request handling to Postman performance testing.
Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate tester, this Postman tutorial for API testing is the perfect starting point. Let’s dive in.
What is API Testing?
API (Application Programming Interface) testing involves validating endpoints, data responses, status codes, and business logic of software services. It is crucial for ensuring the backend of your applications functions correctly.
Unlike UI testing, which checks the front-end, API testing digs deep into how components interact and exchange data making it faster, more reliable, and suitable for automation.
Why Use Postman for API Testing?
Postman is one of the most popular tools for API testing using Postman. It offers a clean UI, powerful scripting, automation features, and integration capabilities ideal for developers and testers alike.
Key Benefits:
Beginner-friendly
No-code and low-code automation
Detailed reporting
Support for variables and environments
Free API for Postman testing available
Strong community and learning resources like those by Venkatesh (Rahul Shetty)
Tools Required - To follow this Postman tutorial for API testing, you all need:
Postman Desktop App
A free Postman account
Node.js and Newman (for running tests from the command line – optional but useful)
Getting Started: Setting Up Postman
Before automating your first API test, let’s walk through setting up your environment.
Step 1: Install Postman
Go to postman
Download the latest version.
Sign up using your email
Tip: For quick tests, you can use online Postman API testing
Step-by-Step Guide to Automate API Testing in Postman
Let’s automate API tests using a free API for Postman testing a fake REST API.
Step 2: Create a New Collection
Collections are containers for organizing API requests and tests.
Click on “Collections” on the left sidebar.
Click “+ New Collection”
Name it: Postman Automation Testing
Click Save
Step 3: Add a New Request
Inside the collection, click “Add Request”
Name it: Get User Data
Choose GET as the method
Save the request in your collection
Step 4: Write Your First Automated Test
Under the Tests tab of your request, add the following test script:
Click Send, then check the Test Results tab below the response. ✅
Automating API Tests with Postman Test Scripts
Step 5: Add More Assertions
Postman supports, making test logic powerful and readable.
Examples:
Step 6: Use Variables & Environments
Automated testing benefits from flexible test environments.
How to Set Up Environments:
Go to Environments > Create New Environment
Add variables:
Save and activate it from the top-right dropdown
Step 7: Running Tests in Collection Runner
To run multiple requests automatically:
Click the collection name
Click Run
Choose the environment
Click Start Run
This triggers Postman automated testing, running each test and showing results in a clean report format.
Step 8: Automating with Postman Monitor
Monitors allow you to schedule automated tests.
Open your collection
Click Monitor
Choose frequency
Select environment and click Create
Now, your APIs are tested automatically on a schedule with no manual effort needed.
Step 9: Postman Automation API Testing with Pre-Request Scripts
Pre-request scripts allow dynamic data generation before API execution.
Example: Set a timestamp variable before making a POST request.
Step 10: Advanced Postman Performance Testing
While Postman isn’t a full-fledged performance tool like JMeter, you can still do basic Postman API performance testing by:
Running large iterations in Collection Runner
Measuring response time (available in Test Results)
Writing custom assertions:
Bonus: Automate API Testing in Postman using Newman (CLI)
Newman lets you run Postman collections from the terminal great for CI/CD pipelines.
Step-by-step:
Install Newman:
Export your collection from Postman:
- Click your collection
(Optional) Use Jenkins or GitHub Actions to integrate into your automation pipeline.
This is one of the best approaches to enable continuous Postman automation API testing.
Postman Tutorial for Beginners: Best Practices
If you're new to this space, follow these tips from Rahul Shetty-style tutorials:
Start with simple
Use environments for scalability
Store dynamic data using variables
Write clear test cases and use comments
Reuse code snippets across requests
Make use of built-in snippets
Frequently Used Free APIs for Postman Testing
JSONPlaceholder – Fake data REST API
Reqres.in – A hosted REST-API for simulating user registration/login
OpenWeatherMap – For weather info
Cat Facts API – Fun API to test GET requests
Postman Echo – Built-in Postman API for testing requests
These are ideal for practicing API testing Postman tutorial concepts.
Wrapping Up: Why Automate API Testing in Postman?
Automating API testing with Postman allows you to:
Detect issues early
Reduce manual effort
Validate integrations automatically
Ensure consistent performance
Save time in CI/CD pipelines
This Postman tutorial for beginners gave you a practical look into automation, variables, environments, monitors, and even Postman API performance testing. Guided by learning paths like those of Venkatesh (Rahul Shetty), you’re now well on your way to becoming an API automation expert.
Tips from Venkatesh (Rahul Shetty) on Postman API Testing
Venkatesh (Rahul Shetty), popularly known for his QA training, often emphasizes:
Learning by practice: Try building a mock server and testing it.
Script reuse: Save common tests as snippets.
Environment variables: Use environments to switch between development and production URLs.
Data-driven testing: Use CSV/JSON files in Collection Runner for testing with different datasets.
He recommends using Postman not just for manual testing, but also for automating repetitive tasks especially regression and integration testing without writing full automation frameworks.
Final Thoughts
By following this step-by-step guide to automate API testing in Postman, you all gain real-world skills in modern API validation and automation. Continue practicing using free APIs for Postman testing, and try integrating your scripts into workflows using Newman and CI/CD tools.
Remember: automation isn't just about reducing manual tasks it's about delivering faster, smarter, and more reliable software.
Comments
Post a Comment