Send request block in Postman - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the purpose of the 'Send request' block in Postman?

The 'Send request' block is used to execute an HTTP request to a server and receive the response. It helps testers check if the API behaves as expected.

beginner

Which HTTP methods can you use in the 'Send request' block?

You can use methods like GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, PATCH, and others depending on what the API supports.

beginner

How do you add headers in the 'Send request' block?

Headers can be added in the Headers tab by specifying key-value pairs, such as Content-Type or Authorization, to provide extra information to the server.

beginner

What does a successful response status code like 200 mean after sending a request?

A 200 status code means the request was successful and the server returned the expected data.

beginner

Why is it important to check the response body after sending a request?

Checking the response body helps verify that the server returned the correct data or message, ensuring the API works as intended.

What does the 'Send request' block in Postman do?

A Formats the request body automatically

B Creates a new API endpoint

C Executes an HTTP request and shows the response

D Deletes the server data

The 'Send request' block sends the HTTP request to the server and displays the response for testing.

Which tab in Postman lets you add headers before sending a request?

A Body

B Headers

C Tests

D Pre-request Script

The Headers tab is where you add key-value pairs to send extra information with the request.

If you get a 404 status code after sending a request, what does it mean?

A Resource not found

B Server error

C Request was successful

D Unauthorized access

A 404 status code means the requested resource was not found on the server.

Which HTTP method is typically used to retrieve data in the 'Send request' block?

A PUT

B POST

C DELETE

D GET

GET is used to request data from a server.

Why should you check the response body after sending a request?

A To verify the server returned the correct data

B To change the request headers

C To delete the request

D To create a new request

The response body shows the data or message returned by the server, confirming if the API works correctly.

Explain the steps to send a request using Postman's 'Send request' block and how to verify the response.

Think about what you do before and after clicking Send.

Describe why checking both the status code and response body is important after sending a request.

Consider what each part tells you about the server's reply.

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of the Send request block in Postman?

easy

A. To call APIs and test their responses automatically

B. To design the user interface of an application

C. To write database queries

D. To create user accounts in Postman

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the role of Send request block

   The Send request block is used to make API calls and check how the API behaves.

2. Step 2: Compare options with the purpose

   Only To call APIs and test their responses automatically correctly describes calling APIs and testing responses automatically.

3. Final Answer:

   To call APIs and test their responses automatically -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Send request block = call and test APIs [OK]

Hint: Send request block is for API calls and testing [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing Send request with UI design
• Thinking it writes database queries
• Assuming it manages user accounts

2. Which of the following is the correct way to send a GET request using the Send request block in Postman scripts?

easy

A. pm.sendRequest({url: 'https://api.example.com', method: 'GET'}, callback);

B. pm.sendRequest('https://api.example.com', 'GET', callback);

C. sendRequest({url: 'https://api.example.com', method: 'GET'});

D. pm.requestSend({url: 'https://api.example.com', method: 'GET'}, callback);

Solution

1. Step 1: Recall correct syntax for pm.sendRequest

   The correct syntax uses an object with url and method, plus a callback function.

2. Step 2: Check each option's syntax

   pm.sendRequest({url: 'https://api.example.com', method: 'GET'}, callback); matches the correct syntax: pm.sendRequest({url: ..., method: ...}, callback); others have wrong function names or argument formats.

3. Final Answer:

   pm.sendRequest({url: 'https://api.example.com', method: 'GET'}, callback); -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   pm.sendRequest uses object + callback [OK]

Hint: Use object with url and method in pm.sendRequest [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Passing URL and method as separate arguments
• Using wrong function names like sendRequest or pm.requestSend
• Omitting the callback function

3. Consider this Postman test script snippet:

pm.sendRequest({
  url: 'https://api.example.com/data',
  method: 'GET'
}, function (err, res) {
  pm.test('Status code is 200', function () {
    pm.expect(res.code).to.eql(200);
  });
});

What will happen when this script runs?

medium

A. The script will throw a syntax error

B. The test will fail because the callback is missing

C. The test will always pass regardless of status code

D. The test will pass if the API returns status 200

Solution

1. Step 1: Analyze the sendRequest call and callback

   The script sends a GET request and uses a callback to check the response status code.

2. Step 2: Understand the test assertion

   The test asserts that the response code equals 200, so it passes only if the API returns 200.

3. Final Answer:

   The test will pass if the API returns status 200 -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Test passes if res.code == 200 [OK]

Hint: Test passes only if response code matches 200 [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking callback is missing
• Assuming syntax error without checking code
• Believing test passes regardless of response

4. You wrote this Postman script to send a request:

pm.sendRequest({
  url: 'https://api.example.com/users',
  method: 'POST',
  body: {
    mode: 'raw',
    raw: JSON.stringify({name: 'John'})
  }
}, function (err, res) {
  // callback function
});

But the request is not sent. What is the likely problem?

medium

A. Incorrect HTTP method; POST is not allowed

B. Missing callback function to handle the response

C. Body should be sent as form-data, not raw JSON

D. URL is invalid and causes failure

Solution

1. Step 1: Check the sendRequest syntax

   pm.sendRequest requires a callback function as the second argument to execute the request properly.

2. Step 2: Identify missing callback

   The script lacks the callback function, so the request is not sent or handled.

3. Final Answer:

   Missing callback function to handle the response -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   sendRequest needs callback to send request [OK]

Hint: Always include callback function in pm.sendRequest [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Ignoring the need for callback function
• Assuming HTTP method is wrong without checking API docs
• Thinking body format is always wrong
• Blaming URL without testing it

5. You want to send a POST request with JSON data and verify the response contains a field success set to true. Which Postman script correctly sends the request and tests the response?

hard

A. pm.sendRequest({url: 'https://api.example.com/save', method: 'POST', body: {data: 123}}, function (err, res) { pm.test('Success is true', () => { pm.expect(res.success).to.be.true; }); });

B. pm.sendRequest('https://api.example.com/save', 'POST', {data: 123}, function (err, res) { pm.expect(res.success).to.equal(true); });

C. pm.sendRequest({url: 'https://api.example.com/save', method: 'POST', header: {'Content-Type': 'application/json'}, body: {mode: 'raw', raw: JSON.stringify({data: 123})}}, function (err, res) { pm.test('Success is true', () => { pm.expect(res.json().success).to.be.true; }); });

D. pm.sendRequest({url: 'https://api.example.com/save', method: 'POST', body: {mode: 'formdata', formdata: {data: 123}}}, function (err, res) { pm.test('Success is true', () => { pm.expect(res.json().success).to.be.true; }); });

Solution

1. Step 1: Check request format for JSON POST

   The correct script sets Content-Type header to application/json and sends body as raw JSON string.

2. Step 2: Verify response test syntax

   The correct script uses res.json() to parse response and checks success field is true with valid assertion.

3. Step 3: Compare other options

   The incorrect options use wrong argument formats, miss headers, or send formdata instead of raw JSON.

4. Final Answer:

   pm.sendRequest({url: 'https://api.example.com/save', method: 'POST', header: {'Content-Type': 'application/json'}, body: {mode: 'raw', raw: JSON.stringify({data: 123})}}, function (err, res) { pm.test('Success is true', () => { pm.expect(res.json().success).to.be.true; }); }); -> Option C

5. Quick Check:

   JSON POST: header + raw body + res.json().success [OK]

Hint: Set JSON header and use res.json() to test response [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Omitting Content-Type header for JSON
• Sending body as plain object without raw string
• Using wrong argument order in sendRequest
• Testing response without parsing JSON