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Postman API Testing Tips

How To Use Curl Code In Postman

API Testing Blog

Understanding the Connection: cURL and Postman

cURL and Postman are both powerful tools used for API testing. While cURL is a command-line tool, Postman provides a user-friendly interface. However, you can leverage the power of cURL directly within Postman! Let’s explore how.

Why Use cURL in Postman?

  • Enhanced flexibility: cURL allows you to craft requests with intricate details like headers, cookies, and data parameters, providing more control than Postman’s default options.
  • Direct translation to HTTP: cURL commands directly translate to HTTP requests, making it easier to understand the underlying request structure.
  • Sharing and collaboration: cURL commands are easily shareable and reusable, facilitating communication and collaboration among teams.

Utilizing cURL Code in the Postman Console

The Postman console is your gateway to executing cURL commands. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Compose Your cURL Command:

    • Start with the basic cURL syntax: curl [OPTIONS] [URL]
    • Add options specific to your request, such as:
      • -X for the HTTP method (e.g., -X POST)
      • -H for headers (e.g., -H "Content-Type: application/json")
      • -d for data (e.g., -d '{"name": "John Doe", "age": 30}')

  2. Paste into the Console:

    • Open a Postman request.
    • Click on the “Console” tab.
    • Paste your cURL command into the console.

  3. Execute the Command:

    • Press Enter to execute the command.
    • Postman will process the cURL code, sending the request to the API and displaying the response in the console.

Example: Sending a POST request with JSON data

curl -X POST -H "Content-Type: application/json" -d '{"name": "John Doe", "age": 30}' https://example.com/api/users

Leveraging cURL for Complex Scenarios

cURL shines when handling intricate scenarios that go beyond basic Postman functionality.

1. Setting Cookies:

curl -X GET 'https://example.com/api/users' -H 'Cookie: user_id=12345; session_token=abcdefg'

This example sends a GET request with two cookies, user_id and session_token, attached to the request.

2. Handling Authentication:

curl -X GET 'https://example.com/api/secure/data' -H 'Authorization: Bearer your_access_token'

This command uses the Authorization header to send a GET request with a Bearer token for authentication.

3. Working with Files:

curl -X POST -F "file=@my_file.pdf" https://example.com/api/uploads

This example sends a POST request with the file parameter set to the local file my_file.pdf. The @ symbol indicates a local file.

Extracting and Working with Response Data

cURL itself doesn’t offer direct tools for working with response data. However, you can combine cURL with other tools like:

  • jq: A command-line JSON processor that allows you to extract specific data elements from the response.
  • Python: You can use Python scripts to parse the response and extract data.

Example using jq:

Terminal window
curl -X GET https://example.com/api/users | jq '.[].name'

This command retrieves the names of all users from the API response and displays them in the console.

Integrating cURL Codes Inside Postman Tests

Postman’s powerful test features allow you to directly integrate cURL commands for advanced validation and manipulation.

  1. Use the pm.sendRequest function: This function executes your cURL command and stores the response for subsequent testing steps.

  2. Perform Assertions: Use Postman’s built-in assertion library to validate the response data.

Example:

pm.test("Validate user name", () => {
  const cURLResponse = pm.sendRequest({
    url: "https://api.example.com/users",
    method: "GET",
    headers: {
      "Authorization": "Bearer your_access_token"
    }
  });


  pm.response.to.have.status(200);


  pm.expect(cURLResponse.json().name).to.equal("John Doe");
});

This example sends a GET request with authentication and then verifies the name of the user in the response.

Remember: Use cURL in Postman judiciously. It’s a powerful tool, but for straightforward scenarios, Postman’s built-in features often provide a simpler and more user-friendly approach.

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