Considerations for API mocking

Let us quickly review a few important considerations when mocking API calls:

• A mock API server should mimic the real responses realistically. It should conform to the same set of contracts as the real service.
• A mock API can be figured to simulate non-functional behavior such as slow response times, various error responses, and so on.
• Mock APIs usually do not persist data like real APIs and the automation test frameworks should account for their unique behaviors.
• Extra caution should be used when mocking external vendor APIs, as any uncommunicated changes on the vendor side might break the mock and bring the testing to halt.
• The transition from a mock API to a real API should be planned in advance to ensure test continuity.