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Can We Use Postman For Soap

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Can We Use Postman for SOAP?

While Postman primarily excels in REST API testing, it also offers excellent support for SOAP APIs. This guide explores how to harness Postman’s capabilities for effective SOAP API testing, covering various aspects from setup to execution.

Setting Up Postman for SOAP Testing

Postman provides a dedicated “SOAP” request type, allowing you to easily interact with SOAP services. Here’s how to get started:

1. Install the SOAP Plugin

  • Access the Postman app and navigate to the “Manage Plugins” section.
  • Search for the “SOAP” plugin and click “Install.” This plugin extends Postman’s functionality, enabling SOAP request creation and response parsing.

Building SOAP Requests in Postman

Now, let’s dive into crafting SOAP requests within Postman.

1. Define the Request Type

  • Create a new request in Postman.
  • Select “SOAP” from the “Request type” dropdown menu. This action signifies that you’re working with a SOAP API.

2. Specify the Endpoint

  • In the “URL” field, enter the specific endpoint of the SOAP service you intend to interact with.

3. Configure the Request Body

Postman offers two primary methods for constructing SOAP request bodies:

a. Raw Body (XML)

  • Choose “Raw” as the body type.
  • Select “XML” as the format.
  • Paste the SOAP request XML directly into the body window. For instance:
<soapenv:Envelope xmlns:soapenv="http://schemas.xmlsoap.org/soap/envelope/" xmlns:tem="http://tempuri.org/">
  <soapenv:Header/>
  <soapenv:Body>
    <tem:HelloWorld/>
  </soapenv:Body>
</soapenv:Envelope>

b. Form Data

  • Select “form-data” as the body type.
  • Postman automatically provides fields for key-value pairs. Define the parameters corresponding to your SOAP request’s structure.

Sending SOAP Requests and Interpreting Responses

With your SOAP request meticulously crafted, it’s time to send it to the API and analyze the response.

1. Sending the Request

  • Click the “Send” button to dispatch your SOAP request.

2. Analyzing the Response

Postman’s intuitive interface helps you interpret the response:

  • The response body will be displayed in XML format, providing the output from your SOAP API call.
  • You can leverage the “Formatter” dropdown (often found at the top of the response body) to switch between XML, JSON, and other relevant formats.
  • The response headers offer valuable details about the API response, such as status codes, content types, and timestamps.

Example: Using Postman to Test a Simple SOAP Web Service

Let’s illustrate this concept with a practical example using a basic “Hello World” SOAP service.

1. Sample SOAP Service (WsdlEndpoint)

Assume you have a SOAP webservice endpoint hosted at http://www.dneonline.com/calculator.asmx?WSDL

2. Create a new request

  • Select “SOAP” from the “Request type” dropdown menu.

3. Configure the request

  • Set the endpoint to http://www.dneonline.com/calculator.asmx?WSDL
  • Set the Method to “POST”

4. Define the SOAP Request (XML)

  • In the body, paste the following XML code:
<soapenv:Envelope xmlns:soapenv="http://schemas.xmlsoap.org/soap/envelope/" xmlns:tem="http://tempuri.org/">
  <soapenv:Header/>
  <soapenv:Body>
    <tem:Add/>
  </soapenv:Body>
</soapenv:Envelope>

5. Send the Request

  • Click “Send” button

6. Analyze the Response

  • You will see the response from the web service under the “Response” tab.

Key Advantages of Using Postman for SOAP Testing

  • Intuitive Interface: Postman provides a user-friendly environment for crafting, sending, and analyzing SOAP requests.
  • Comprehensive Support: The SOAP plugin empowers you with the necessary tools for seamless SOAP API interaction.
  • Efficient Collaboration: Sharing and versioning of requests via Postman allows for productive collaboration amongst testers.

Conclusion

While Postman is primarily recognized as a REST API testing tool, its powerful capabilities extend to SOAP APIs as well. By familiarizing yourself with the SOAP plugin and understanding the nuances of SOAP request construction, you can leverage Postman’s versatility for reliable and efficient SOAP API testing.

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