Rest Assured API Testing is popular in automation. It helps test REST APIs quickly and easily. But testers often make mistakes. These mistakes slow down the testing process.
In this article, we will look at common mistakes. We will also show you how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Not Using Proper Assertions
Assertions check if the result is correct. Some testers skip or write weak assertions. This can miss bugs. Or it may show wrong results as correct.
How to Avoid It
Always write clear assertions. Check status code, body, and headers. Use methods like assertThat(), statusCode(), and body().
Example:
when().get("/users").then().assertThat().statusCode(200);Mistake 2: Hardcoding Values in Tests
Hardcoding means putting values directly in test scripts. This makes your tests hard to update and reuse.
How to Avoid It
Use variables and external files for data. Store test data in .json, .csv, or .properties files.
Mistake 3: Ignoring Response Time Checks
Some tests only check status code. They ignore how fast the response is. Slow APIs can still return correct data.
How to Avoid It
Always test response time. Use time() or similar methods.
Example:
long time = get("/users").time();
Assert.assertTrue(time < 2000);Mistake 4: Not Using Request Specifications
Many tests have repeated code. This makes test cases long and messy.
How to Avoid It
Use RequestSpecification to reuse code.
Set base URI, headers, and content types once.
Example:
RequestSpecification request = given().baseUri("https://api.test.com").header("key", "value");Mistake 5: Forgetting to Test Error Responses
Most testers only test success responses. But APIs also return errors. These need testing too.
How to Avoid It
Add negative test cases. Test wrong input, missing fields, or bad requests Check for proper error codes like 400, 404, or 500.
Mistake 6: Not Validating JSON or XML Schema
APIs may return wrong structure. This breaks frontend apps. Some testers forget to check this.
How to Avoid It
Use schema validation. Rest Assured supports JSON and XML schemas.
Example:
.then().body(matchesJsonSchemaInClasspath("userSchema.json"));Mistake 7: Not Handling Authentication Properly
APIs need auth tokens. Some tests ignore auth or use old tokens. This causes test failures.
How to Avoid It
Use proper token generation. Store tokens securely. Refresh when needed. Use OAuth2 or API keys correctly.
Mistake 8: Not Logging Requests and Responses
Logs help find problems. Some testers forget to add logging. This makes debugging hard.
How to Avoid It
Use .log().all() in requests and responses.
You can also log only errors or headers.
Example:
given().log().all().when().get("/users").then().log().body();Mistake 9: Writing Tests Without Structure
Unorganized test code is hard to read and maintain. This slows down teams.
How to Avoid It
Follow a clean folder structure. Use packages and classes properly. Separate tests, utilities, and test data. Use naming conventions for clarity.
Mistake 10: Ignoring Test Reports
Some testers run tests but ignore the results. Without reports, teams can’t track progress.
How to Avoid It
Use tools like Allure, Extent, or TestNG reports. They show test results in detail. You can fix issues faster.
Mistake 11: Not Using Mock Servers
Sometimes the real API is down. Or not ready. Waiting delays testing.
How to Avoid It
Use mock servers like WireMock or Postman Mock. They simulate API responses. You can test anytime.
Mistake 12: Writing One Long Test Case
One test for many things is risky. It’s hard to debug.
How to Avoid It
Write one test per case. Use clear methods. Keep tests short and simple.
Mistake 13: Ignoring CI/CD Integration
Some testers run tests manually. This slows things down.
How to Avoid It
Integrate Rest Assured tests in Jenkins, GitHub Actions, or GitLab CI. Run them on each code push.
Mistake 14: Not Updating Tests with API Changes
APIs change often. Old tests may break or give false results.
How to Avoid It
Stay updated with API changes. Talk to developers. Use API documentation. Update test cases when needed.
Mistake 15: Not Reusing Code with Utility Methods
Repeating code wastes time. It also causes bugs.
How to Avoid It
Create utility methods for headers, tokens, or response checks. Call them in your tests.
Conclusion
Rest Assured API Testing is powerful. But small mistakes can reduce its value. Avoiding these mistakes will improve your tests. Keep tests clean, fast, and reliable. Follow best practices. Rest Assured API Testing becomes easier with the right approach. Practice regularly. Review your code. Learn from other testers. That’s the key to mastering API testing.
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