Request headers in Postman - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What are request headers in an HTTP request?

Request headers are extra pieces of information sent with an HTTP request. They tell the server details like the type of data the client can accept, the language preference, or authentication tokens.

beginner

Why do we use the Content-Type header in a request?

The Content-Type header tells the server what kind of data is being sent in the request body, like JSON, XML, or form data. This helps the server understand how to read the data.

intermediate

How does the Authorization header work in requests?

The Authorization header carries credentials like tokens or passwords to prove the client has permission to access the server's resources.

beginner

In Postman, how can you add a custom request header?

In Postman, you go to the 'Headers' tab of your request, then add a new key-value pair for your custom header. For example, key: X-Custom-Header, value: 12345.

intermediate

What happens if you send a request without the Accept header?

If the Accept header is missing, the server may respond with its default data format. This might not be what the client expects, so it’s good to specify it.

Which header tells the server what format the client expects in response?

A Accept

B User-Agent

C Authorization

D Content-Type

The Accept header specifies the media types the client can handle in the response.

In Postman, where do you add request headers?

A Headers tab

B Body tab

C Tests tab

D Pre-request Script tab

Request headers are added in the Headers tab of the Postman request.

What is the purpose of the Authorization header?

A To specify the data format sent

B To send credentials for access

C To tell the server the client’s language

D To identify the client software

Authorization header carries credentials like tokens or passwords to authenticate the client.

Which header is used to tell the server the type of data in the request body?

A Accept

B Cache-Control

C Authorization

D Content-Type

Content-Type header specifies the media type of the request body.

If you want to add a custom header in Postman, what should you do?

A Add it in the URL

B Add it in the Body tab

C Add it in the Headers tab as a key-value pair

D Add it in the Authorization tab

Custom headers are added as key-value pairs in the Headers tab.

Explain what request headers are and why they are important in API testing.

Think about how you tell a friend what kind of message you are sending.

Describe how to add and use request headers in Postman for testing an API.

Imagine you are sending a letter with extra notes attached.