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However, you might get rid of this pain point by using a mock REST API for testing.
API mocking is a potent concept that has become a crucial part of the software development and testing cycle.
Here, we will know some of the best tools to create REST mock API.
But first, lets learn APIand how API helps developers during the development and testing phase.
What Is REST API?
REST stands for REpresentational State Transfer, and API is the acronym for tool Programming Interface.
So, REST API refers to any web API that conforms to the architectural style of REST.
Also known as RESTful APIs, these are highly flexible.
Why Do You Need Mock API for Testing?
The lack of the availability of an original API often causes testing roadblocks.
Using mock API means using a virtual or replacement version of an API instead of an actual one.
Therefore, developers opt for API mock to provide support for incomplete test environments.
In many cases, these mock APIs help you skip the cost of accessing third-party APIs.
All in all, using mock REST APIs streamlines the test environment with its multiple useful applications.
We have curated a list of top tools that you might use to create a mock REST API.
It also supports one-click fake customized data generation with faker.js.
you’re free to easily define relations between resources by connecting the nested URLs.
Developers also get the freedom to customize the response to a request with tailoredJSON.
They can also include parent and child resources to the existing ones by editing resource schema.
MockAPI supports both manual and automated data generation after the relationship setup.
It also offers features, such as sorting, searching, filtering, and paginating the resource.
This platform is ideal for collaborative work as it lets you share and clone your projects with your teammates.
Developers can go forBeeceptor, a zero-coding Rest API mock server.
Moreover, all of its endpoints are HTTPS enabled.
Beeceptor also lets you switch between API endpoints or versions even without redeployment.
Any changes made to these rules get updated in real-time.
Developers can also introduce a response delay that the responders will get after the specified seconds.
It is possible to add multiple mocking rules for one endpoint.
When a request comes, it is matched against the rules in the pre-determined order.
The platform sends the mocked response according to the first rule that matches.
It also supports sharing examples of requests and responses through unique links for collaboration with teammates.
Now, you’ve got the option to simulate andmonitor APIerrors by personalizing the responses.
It promotes quick prototyping of APIs with status codes and customizable responses.
Here you might create an unlimited number of API endpoints.
However, it only supports up to 500 API requests every 24 hours.
Whats more, it does not even need you to sign up.
Just create a base URL and get going.
you might download mocked requests in one click from API Mocha.
This platform also lets the developers automatically import mock rules from an OpenAPI.
Mockoon
Are you looking for a platform to run mock REST APIs quickly and easily?
Opt forMockoon, a free and open-source platform to create mock APIs in a few seconds.
It also does not need you to create an account or perform the remote deployment.
Developers can create any number of mock APIs containing unlimited routes and also run all these simultaneously.
This platform comes with an intuitive interface and is suitable to run anywhere with the CLI.
As a result, this app saves you time.
For helping you mimic real-life scenarios, it offers dynamic templates and a system of response rules.
you’re free to also intercept the chosen endpoints to integrate this tool with existing APIs.
Mocki
Both frontend and backend developers who need Mock REST API can useMocki.
They can create and deploy mock APIs for software and app development and testing.
you’re able to perform 100% isolated testing of your integrations without any external dependencies.
With the help of itsOpen SourceCLI, developers can locally run their services without needing an internet connection.
They can also synchronize thecode repositorywith their service so that the mock API automatically updates with real-time changes.
you could also simulate random errors and delays in mock API to find out the negative test cases.
Mockable
Mockableis another sample rest API provider that lets you create mock API quickly.
Developers can create a customizedcontaineron this platform named mockable domain where they can add a name and invite others.
Creating sub-domains is also feasible if necessary.
If you want, Mockable can also serve the APIs on the DNS domain of your organization.
At Mockable, you get both HTTPS and HTTP for a secure and simple API mock.
It also comes with the Request Logger feature that helps you monitor real-time mock requests.
Many developers consider it as the ideal mock API platform for teams.
Being a dependableSaaSapplication, it supports scalability and improves your efficiency.
However, developers should only use it on an internal platform and for testing only.
It can automatically mock the file-defined web services.
It is an open-source platform with an Apache license and is available for free.
Any resource you create on this tool can be mocked multiple times.
you could also configure each resource for random and sequence response strategies.
It allows the developers to simulate a server-side behavior completely during an integration test.
Response customization is also supported by this platform.
On Castle Mock, you’ve got the option to upload up to 20 MB files.
Bulk endpoint creation is also possible using OpenAPI JSON schema.
To use this platform, no knowledge of backend development is required.
Simply provide the response data in common formats like JSON or XML to define your API endpoint.
It also provides you with a request log for each project that captures all requests in real-time.
This will helps you to debug your apps and webhooks.
Users can downloadWindows/Mac/Linux intercept apps to use this platform locally without an internet connection.
It lets you view real-time requests and responses and associated data on this platform.
These verify you do not miss any requests.
The tool dashboard also allows you to view requests.
It works as the perfect solution when the intended API is inaccessible or unavailable for different reasons.
Besides testers, developers and web designers can get benefit from mock APIs.
This article discussed a list of the best mock API for testing.
