Example requests and responses in Postman - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is an example request in API testing?

An example request is a sample HTTP request sent to an API endpoint to test if it behaves as expected. It includes method, URL, headers, and body if needed.

beginner

What does an example response show in API testing?

An example response shows the data and status code returned by the API after a request. It helps verify if the API returns correct and expected results.

beginner

Why use example requests and responses in Postman?

They help testers understand how the API works, create automated tests, and document the API for others to use easily.

beginner

What is a common HTTP method used in example requests?

GET is a common HTTP method used to request data from an API without changing anything on the server.

intermediate

How can you validate an example response in Postman?

You can write tests in Postman using JavaScript to check if the response status code and body data match expected values.

What does an example request in Postman typically include?

A Only the response body

B Only the URL

C HTTP method, URL, headers, and body

D Only the response status code

An example request includes the HTTP method (like GET or POST), the URL, headers, and optionally a body.

Which HTTP method is used to retrieve data without changing the server state?

A GET

B PUT

C POST

D DELETE

GET requests data from the server without modifying it.

What is the purpose of example responses in API testing?

A To show how the API should respond to requests

B To send data to the server

C To create new API endpoints

D To delete data from the server

Example responses demonstrate the expected output from the API after a request.

How can you check if an API response is correct in Postman?

A By sending multiple requests at once

B By only looking at the URL

C By changing the HTTP method

D By writing tests that assert status codes and response data

Postman allows writing tests to verify response status and content.

Why is documenting example requests and responses useful?

A It slows down testing

B It helps others understand how to use the API

C It hides API details

D It deletes old API versions

Documentation with examples makes APIs easier to learn and use.

Explain what an example request and response are in API testing and why they are important.

Think about how you check if an API works correctly.

Describe how you would validate an example response in Postman.

Consider writing simple JavaScript assertions.

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of example requests and responses in Postman?

easy

A. To design website layouts

B. To create new APIs automatically

C. To write backend server code

D. To show how to use an API step-by-step

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the role of example requests

   Example requests demonstrate how to call an API with real data.

2. Step 2: Understand the role of example responses

   Example responses show what the API returns for those requests.

3. Final Answer:

   To show how to use an API step-by-step -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Example requests + responses = API usage guide [OK]

Hint: Examples explain API use clearly and simply [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking examples create APIs
• Confusing examples with coding
• Assuming examples design UI

2. Which of the following is the correct way to add an example response in Postman?

easy

A. Change the request method to POST

B. Click 'Save Response' after sending a request

C. Edit the URL in the Params tab

D. Write code in the Tests tab

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify how to save example responses

   After sending a request, Postman allows saving the response as an example.

2. Step 2: Confirm the correct action

   Clicking 'Save Response' saves the current response as an example for future reference.

3. Final Answer:

   Click 'Save Response' after sending a request -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Save response = example response [OK]

Hint: Save response after request to create example [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Trying to add examples by editing URL
• Confusing Tests tab with examples
• Changing method does not save examples

3. Given this example request in Postman:

{
  "name": "Alice",
  "age": 30
}

And this example response:

{
  "id": 101,
  "name": "Alice",
  "age": 30
}

What does the response show?

medium

A. The API ignores the age field

B. The API returns an error because of missing fields

C. The API returns the user data with a new ID

D. The API returns only the ID

Solution

1. Step 1: Compare request and response fields

   The request sends name and age; the response adds an id field.

2. Step 2: Understand the meaning of added id

   The id is usually a unique identifier assigned by the API to the new user.

3. Final Answer:

   The API returns the user data with a new ID -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Response adds id to request data [OK]

Hint: Response adds new info like ID to request data [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming error without error message
• Ignoring added id field
• Thinking age is removed

4. You saved an example response in Postman, but it shows outdated data. What is the best way to fix this?

medium

A. Send the request again and save the new response as example

B. Edit the example response manually in the editor

C. Delete the request and create a new one

D. Change the request URL to a different API

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify how to update example responses

   Example responses reflect saved data; to update, you must get fresh data from the API.

2. Step 2: Choose the correct update method

   Sending the request again gets current data; saving it updates the example correctly.

3. Final Answer:

   Send the request again and save the new response as example -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Refresh example by resending and saving response [OK]

Hint: Resend request and save response to update example [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Editing example manually can cause errors
• Deleting request is unnecessary
• Changing URL changes API, not example

5. You want to create an example request and response in Postman to show how to update a user's email. Which steps should you follow?

hard

A. Send a PUT request with new email, then save the response as example

B. Write the new email in the Tests tab and save the request

C. Change the request method to GET and save the response

D. Delete the user and create a new example request

Solution

1. Step 1: Use the correct HTTP method for update

   PUT is the standard method to update existing data like email.

2. Step 2: Save the response after sending the update request

   Saving the response as example shows the API's reply to the update.

3. Final Answer:

   Send a PUT request with new email, then save the response as example -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Update with PUT + save response example [OK]

Hint: Use PUT for update, then save response example [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using GET instead of PUT for update
• Editing Tests tab does not create examples
• Deleting user is unrelated