Postman is a highly regarded tool used in API development. It offers a wide range of functionalities for creating, testing, and managing APIs. However, many developers are only familiar with the basic features and never explore the advanced features that can significantly enhance their workflow. In this post, we will delve into these advanced features and explore how you can leverage them to become a more efficient API developer.

1. Mock Servers

Mock servers enable you to simulate API responses without a fully implemented backend, making it useful in the early stages of development.

How to Set Up a Mock Server

1. Create Mock Server: Navigate to Postman's “Mock Servers” tab and “Create a mock server.”

If you cannot find it in the sidebar, follow the below steps and enable it.

2. Select a Collection: Choose the collection you want to mock. This collection will be used to define requests and responses.

3. Configure Responses: Define the example response for each end-point in the collection. You can set different examples for scenarios based on some conditions, such as HTTP status codes and response time. Follow the below steps,

• Copy Mock Server URL

• Feel free to include as many examples as necessary in each request from this point on.

Now, you can utilize this endpoint for your front-end development without having to wait for the back-end development to complete.

Benefits of setting up mock servers

- Parallel Development: Frontend and Backend teams can work independently, significantly speeding up the development process. - Testing: You can test your application for different API responses without waiting for the backend to be ready.

2. Postman Monitors

Postman Monitors allows you to schedule and automate the execution of your API tests, ensuring your APIs function correctly.

How to Set Up a Monitor

1. Create a Monitor: Click Postman's “Monitors” tab and select “Create a monitor.”

2. Configure the Monitor: Select the collection you need to monitor, set a frequency for the execution, and configure email notifications.

3. Run the Monitor

View Results: Postman provides detailed reports on each run, including success rates, response times and error logs.

Benefits of Setting Up Postman Monitors

- Continues Monitoring: You can continually be updated on your APIs' health and performance. - Alerts: You’ll get notified immediately if any issues are detected, allowing quick resolution.

3. Environment and Global Variables

Postman allows you to maintain different environments for different use cases, enabling you to make more reusable and dynamic API requests.

How to Use Environments and Global Variables

1. Create Environments: Go to the “Environments” tab and create environments for different stages of your development. (e.g., development, staging and production)

2. Define Global Variables: Add variables, such as API keys and URLs, to each environment.

3. Use Variables in Requests: Use double curly braces to reference variables in your requests. (e.g.: {{base_url}}/endpoint)

Benefits

- Reusable Requests: You can switch between environments and perform API requests without modifying them. - Security: You can manage sensitive information securely using environment variables.

4. Pre-Request and Test Scripts

You can write and execute JavaScript code before and after your request is sent. The scripts that execute before you send the request are called “pre-request scripts,” the scripts that execute after your request are called “test scripts.”

How to Write Scripts

1. Pre-Request Scripts: Navigate to the “Scripts” tab, select “Pre-request, “ and write your code. E.g: generating a timestamp:

2. Test Scripts: Go to the “Post-response” and write your assertions. E.g: checking response status code:

Benefits

- Dynamic Requests: You can modify your request parameters dynamically before sending them - Automated Validation: You can automatically validate your API responses and ensure the API meets the expected criteria.

Postman offers a wide range of advanced features that can enhance your API development and testing process. By leveraging these features, you can create more efficient, automated, and dynamic workflows.