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API Testing in Video Games

By April 16, 2021January 1st, 2024No Comments

The digital experiences that we get today in video games have become possible because of API. One of the key aspects of game programming is to determine which API and libraries to incorporate. Right from extracting valuable information to checking weather forecasts, everything is due to APIs, and when these APIs are tested before use it is known as API TESTING.

In this blog, we will see what is API Testing, why is it important & other key aspects of API.

WHAT IS API?

API means Application Programming Interface or software that allows two applications to communicate with each other.  A gaming API will establish a connection between software and application to share settings, specifications, and data amongst each other. Many gaming platforms allow developers to incorporate online game data into their applications.

API TESTING FOR VIDEO GAMES

APIs act like an interface that runs parallel between devices, applications, and databases. When APIs are tested to check for functionality, reliability, scalability, performance, and security it is termed API Testing.

API Testing reveals the inconsistencies or variations from the expected behavior of an API. It is carried out in the business layer where a transaction between database and user interface happens.  To enjoy the optimum benefits of an API it is important to select an API for your game that is effective and has a fast response rate. Check for the functionality and pricing before making any decision. 

THE NEED TO DO API TESTING

API Testing for video games offers a variety of advantages. Some of them are listed below.

  1. Access to the Game without User Interface:  An important feature of API testing is allowing access to the application without a user interface. The QA team can run API tests without the need to access the game. This helps the developers to quickly fix any errors or bugs before they impact the GUI.
  1. Cost-Effective Testing Method: API testing allows avoiding bugs at the time of GUI testing. API testing at an initial level helps to detect the bugs and analyze the overall build strength. This reduces the efforts of manual testing and increases the intensity of testing.
  1. Language Independent: Data in API testing is exchanged in XML OR JSON format and is language independent.  So one can run the API test without any language barrier.
  1. Time Effective: API Testing automation requires less code and hence it is less time-consuming than GUI testing. It gives faster test coverage and reduces overall test costs.
  1. Protects from Malicious attack:  API testing removes vulnerabilities as it requires special inputs. Hence it protects your gaming application from breakage or any external attack.

HOW TO PERFORM API TESTING?

  1. DOCUMENTING API TEST REQUIREMENT: Documenting various scenarios like what is the purpose of API testing, the workflow of the gaming application, features of the API. These testing requirements need to be documented and planned.
  2. SETUP THE TEST ENVIRONMENT: To set up the environment for the test by configuring the database and server for the application.
  3. INTEGRATING THE DATA:  Combining application data with API Test to check for the desired output against every possible input.
  4. SELECT THE TYPE OF API TESTING: Based on the requirement and testing limitations, select the type of API testing like functional, validation, load, etc.
  5. DESIGNING TEST CASES AND REPORTING: The next task is to design test cases. Identifying the situation where an end-user will make an API call and testing the scenarios properly. Moving forward documenting the test results for further use.
API Testing

DIFFERENT TYPES OF API TESTING:

Following types of API, testing can be performed.

  1. Functionality Testing
  2. Validation Testing
  3. Reliability Testing
  4. Load Testing
  5. UI Testing
  6. Penetration Testing
  7. Security Testing

DIFFERENT API TESTING TOOLS:

Below is the list of different API Testing tools that can be used to manage and structure your test cases.

  1. SOAPUI
  2. POSTMAN
  3. KATALON STUDIO
  4. REST ASSURED
  5. JMETER
  6. TEST MANAGER

CHALLENGES OF THE API TESTING:

  1. Setting the infrastructure up and running could be tedious initially. 
  2. Exception handling must be tested thoroughly.
  3. Test case management can be challenging as one has to manage thousands of test cases.
  4. Improper documentation could mislead the entire testing process
  5. The tester must be well versed in the programming language targeted by API.

CONCLUSION:

Testing Application Programming Interface in video games is crucial. API testing is performed in many companies, the majority of them prefer a QA team. However, game testers and the QA team must have sufficient knowledge about the tools and techniques required for API tests.