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How To Use Wsdl File In Postman

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How to Use WSDL Files in Postman for API Testing

WSDL (Web Services Description Language) files define the structure and functionalities of web services, providing a blueprint for how applications can interact with them. Postman, a widely used API testing tool, offers several ways to incorporate WSDL files, streamlining your testing process.

1. Importing WSDL Files into Postman

Postman allows you to directly import WSDL files, making it straightforward to leverage their information. Here’s how:

  1. Open Postman.
  2. Select the “New” button to create a new request.
  3. Click on the “Code” tab. A code editor will open.
  4. Paste the following code snippet:
pm.test("Import WSDL", function () {
    pm.expect(pm.request.url).to.be.eql("https://www.example.com/your_wsdl.wsdl");
});
  1. Replace "https://www.example.com/your_wsdl.wsdl" with the actual URL of your WSDL file.
  2. Run the script. Postman will download and parse the WSDL file, making its contents available for use.

2. Consuming WSDL-Defined Web Services with Postman

Once you have imported the WSDL file, you can easily interact with the web services it describes:

  1. Navigate to the “Tests” tab.
  2. Write test scripts to send requests and receive responses:
pm.test("Send Request to Web Service", function () {
    var requestBody = {
        "param1": "value1",
        "param2": "value2"
    };


    pm.sendRequest({
        method: 'POST',
        url: pm.environment.get("endpointUrl"),
        body: requestBody,
        headers: {
            'Content-Type': 'application/json'
        }
    }, function (err, res) {
        if (err) {
            console.log(err);
        } else {
            console.log(res.json());
            pm.expect(res.status).to.be.eql(200);
        }
    });
});

  1. Replace:

    • "endpointUrl" with the URL of your web service endpoint (obtained from the WSDL).
    • requestBody with the data you want to send to the web service based on the WSDL’s structure.
    • ‘application/json’ with the appropriate content type based on the WSDL’s specifications.

  2. Run the test to interact with the web service based on the WSDL.

3. Dynamically Generating Requests from WSDL

Postman can also help you dynamically generate requests based on your WSDL file, which is particularly useful for testing different scenarios quickly.

  1. Install the “WSDL Tool” from the Postman Marketplace.
  2. Import your WSDL file.
  3. Use the “WSDL Tool” to create requests:
    • The tool will analyze your WSDL and generate a list of available operations.
    • Choose an operation, and the tool will build a request with the correct URL, method, and parameters based on your WSDL specifications.

4. How to Use WSDL with Postman Collections

You can group your WSDL-based tests into collections for better organization and reusability:

  1. Create a new Postman collection.
  2. Add requests to the collection:
    • Use the “WSDL Tool” to add requests based on your WSDL file dynamically. You can also add them manually.
  3. Organize requests:
    • Structure requests for optimal testing sequences and logical grouping.
  4. Define environment variables:
    • Set up environment variables, such as the base URL and other dynamic values, for easy test configuration.
  5. Add pre-request scripts:
    • Use these scripts to prepare data, manipulate variables, or automate requests within the collection.
  6. Run the collection: Execute all requests in the collection, and the tests will run based on your WSDL definitions.

5. Leveraging WSDL to Test Different Web Service Scenarios

Use WSDL files for testing various scenarios:

  • Test the different operations defined in the WSDL.
  • Send valid and invalid requests to check the web service’s response handling.
  • Test error conditions and negative test cases as defined by the WSDL.
  • Verify responses against the WSDL’s specifications to ensure they adhere to the expected structure and data types.

6. Testing with Postman and WSDL: Best Practices

  1. Thorough WSDL analysis: Understand the operations, data types, and error handling mechanisms in the WSDL.
  2. Create comprehensive tests: Cover as many scenarios as possible to ensure the web service’s functionality is thoroughly validated.
  3. Utilize Postman’s features: Take advantage of environment variables, pre-request scripts, and assertions to automate testing effectively.
  4. Integrate with CI/CD pipelines: Integrate Postman tests with your continuous integration and continuous delivery pipeline (CI/CD) for automated testing and release processes.

By understanding how to use WSDL files effectively in Postman, you can streamline your web service testing, ensuring reliable and high-quality API implementations.

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