Integration Testing and Role of Service Virtualization in API development
today in this article we shall learn the role of Service Virtualization in API development from the perspective of Integration testing.
We already looked at how to perform Integration Testing for API/ Microservices in our last article on the Integration Testing API series.
We understood how it is important is to test separately built components together before actual major deployments.
We understood it’s important considering component and other system connectivity which are built-in isolation.
Service virtualization is a big topic and it is capable of addressing many use cases.
Today in this article, we will cover below aspects,
High Quality, Continuous Integration, Testing, Continuous Delivery, Speed to Market, Safe, Shift left
But today in this article we shall see a few aspects of virtualization on integration testing which could help to address some limitations and real challenges while performing Integration Testing.
API – Downstream and Upstream connectivity
API virtualization tool can create an exact virtual copy of required API/Services/resources.
While we are writing Integration Testing which we already discussed more from a development perspective, we often find challenges like dependent downstream or upstream APIs are not available.
Agile API Design
You have many choices for design. You may want to try out MVP ( Minimum viable products) POC (Proof of concept) or POA ( Proof of application). Service virtualization platforms could give you the ability to quickly try out many of these things which might just work for you. Thereby you shall overcome a blocker.
Parallel Programming
Every organization has run for Speed to the market. Multiple teams would be working on multiple components, one team could be waiting on another team for an API availability. The API couldn’t be available because of other priorities or capacity limitations.
The team can reduce the dependency on the resources by simulating real resources and using virtual resources through service virtualization.
Services or APIs not available
While working on an enterprise system, your API needs to communicate with multiple systems or resources(internal or external). Many critical resources (often in the form of services, and networks) might not be available for you to proceed with your objectives. This is often a case of an agile sprint model being used for delivery.
Cost Reduction
This could be a legitimate use case for any organization.
I have seen many organizations using third-party services/resources in the form of API or Services or Database which cost them significantly.
These services’ usage in the Production environment makes sense. However, vendors often end up paying a hefty amount charge for lower environment usage.
Service virtualization can help you make contract equivalents of external services.
You can virtualize SOAP, ASMX, OR HTTP Services. You need to hit vendor services so that you can verify functionality in your lower region like DEV, TEST or STAGING environment, etc.
Restricted Access to Resources
You will also find restrictions of a few services in a lower environment due to multiple reasons.
How to manage resources for the lower environment
Lower environment act as a playground for testing and validation. Many times external dependencies are resolved which is always difficult to manage if dealing unstable environment.
Resources are difficult to access
Few resources might have restricted access due to many reasons like security, confidentiality, etc. Simulating your test environment for such resources could be a challenge.
Such issues are sometimes not possible to overcome even with diligent effective collaboration between teams.
Simulate TEST Environment
Conducting scalable, dev-focused secure tests ahead of time is important. Performing API load testing with the simulation of resources is key and provides a lot of benefits including few defects in the production environment.
The Best Bet – Use Service Virtualization
API virtualization allows you to test your API (SUT) early and often and it allows you to do so separately from all the dependencies you have around your company and to other APIs.
Through virtualization, Developers and testers can very much overcome these limitations easily. Developers can easily integrate and test their code even before formal testing and get a confidence boost ahead of any delivery or release.
Other useful References:
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Happy Coding !!
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