API
Also called: Application programming interface
The way different software parts talk to each other, like an app asking a server for data.
Definition
An API (application programming interface) is a defined set of requests and responses that lets one program use another. Mobile apps and websites usually call backend APIs to log in, load data and save changes. Testers can check API calls with DevTools or tools like Postman.
In practice
When you open your orders in a shopping app, the app sends a request to an API like GET /api/orders and shows the list it gets back.
Learn it in context
Lessons that use this term.
- What Is Software Testing?Fundamentals
- Search, Filters and SortingFeatures
- Levels of TestingFundamentals
- Black, White and Grey BoxFundamentals
- Equivalence PartitioningFundamentals
- API Testing with PostmanWeb
- API Testing in Depth: Auth, Negative Tests and Data ChecksWeb
- Image UploadFeatures
- State Transition TestingFundamentals
- Proxy Tools: Charles and ProxymanMobile