API vs Unit Testing

The Difference Between API And Unit Testing

To determine whether the software is working properly, you need the help of software testing. One of the prominent types in software testing is – API Testing and Unit Testing. Though there is a difference between API and Unit Testing, they are used parallelly by several software developers.

Both the testing process have their share of benefits. Therefore, with this blog on API vs Unit Testing, we highlight the advantages and the differences.

API vs Unit Testing

1. Basic meaning

What is API Testing?

API testing is black-box testing aiming to test APIs and evaluate whether they meet the expectations in terms of performance, reliability, and security of an application.

What is Unit Testing?

On the other hand, a unit test helps test a single module, which is the smallest piece of code like a method, routine, or subroutine.

2. Role in the testing process

In Unit Testing, the bugs are identified at the early stage while isolating a particular section. Every function is tested thoroughly to evaluate the precision of the code. It also helps the developers to understand the codebase to handle changes with finesse. Most importantly, it helps in code reusability.

API tests are executed after the build is ready, which is why defects are found if missed when developing software. Its main objective is to prevent defects and provide information about the quality standards. Most importantly, it is the imperative task of API testing to complement business and user requirements.

3. Set of advantages

Unit Testing advantages

  • Unit Testing makes the entire process agile. When you add features to the software, the old code needs alterations. It becomes an extremely risky and costly affair. But Unit Testing expedites this process and saves financial burden.
  • Unit Testing helps in identifying minute defects, further helping in enhancing the quality of code.
  • In Unit Testing, each component is tested individually. With this, the defects get detected at an early stage. Each unit gets properly verified, after which it moves to the next stage.
  • Unit Testing relies on documentation of the system. When a new developer comes on board, they can learn easily by referring to the documentation. It gives them information on the individual component.
  • The debugging process is a bit simplified in Unit Testing. If a particular component or a test fails, the latest edits made to the code need debugging and not the entire code.
  • As the loopholes get identified at an early stage, they are fixed sooner, and the cost is reduced significantly.

Advantages of API Testing

  • One of the key advantages of API testing is accessing applications without the intervention of the user interface (UI). Because of this, the QA tester gets early insights into the errors, which helps resolves the issues before impacting GUI.
  • The best part about API testing is it consumes less time. The reason being less code, which provides comprehensive and fast test coverage.
  • With API testing, experience language independence wherein the data exchange is done using XML or JSON. With this feature, a tester can select any core language while undertaking automated testing services for the application.
  • Easy integration in API testing is the prime highlighter. This feature is a boon when performing functional GUI tests followed by API testing.
  • In API testing, the user’s perspective is considered. It helps in creating test scenarios that epitomize real-world use scenarios.
  • API Testing extends protection against malevolent code and breakage. With the help of odd inputs, conditions, and eliminating vulnerabilities, applications are protected.

4. Lifecycle

Unit Testing

  • User requirements: The initial stage includes taking cognizance of user requirements. The team determines what needs to be tested.
  • System provisions: It is followed by determining the system specifications whether it complements the process.
  • Time and costing evaluation: After checking the above parameters, estimation of time and costing is determined.
  • Acceptance: This phase validates whether the requirements are met.
  • Development testing: The actual development starts, and the testing phase sets in.
  • User acceptance testing: This is the most crucial phase because the developed software is evaluated by the business user. The users determine whether the software is working as per the predefined specifications.
  • Production support: This phase of testing in production means checking the code on production servers with the help of real-time data. These tests are executed in the final stages before releasing them to a broad audience.

API Testing

  • In the designing and planning phase, using specifications, the designing of APIs is done. Business team members identify which services are necessary for the API.
  • In the development phase, the team permits multiple developers to build, access, and preserve the organization’s API portfolio in a controlled environment.
  • The testing phase involves the evaluation of each iteration for competence, performance, and accessibility. This phase emphasizes error handling and security capabilities.
  • The deployment phase is all about checking whether the API is stable and secure for production. This phase primarily gathers metrics to monitor API’s performance.
  • In this last phase of retirement, developers update APIs as per the business requirement and enhance business value. Eventually, old APIs are retired, so no more resources are wasted on it.
  • So, these were some of the pivotal differences between API and Unit Testing. We hope they help you make the right choice to carve a successful career. However, if you wish to dive deeper for more clarity, then join the API testing course.

Enquire Now for API Testing Course

To learn API testing it is imperative to opt for the best API testing training institute in Pune. When it comes to choosing the best, think no more and enroll at Cyber Success. This institute has designed a lucrative API testing course, which opens a whole new horizon for aspirants. Not just beginners, but this course is productive for experienced too who wish to upgrade their knowledge and are expecting a salary hike.

With API training from Cyber Success, gain knowledge about the developer tools, Rest Assured Library, TestNG Framework, and so much more.
So, don’t wait long and call on (+91) 9168665643, (+91) 9168665644, or send an email at hello@cybersuccess.biz.