Salesforce API Testing

Salesforce API testing ensures the proper integration and functionality of Salesforce APIs, which is crucial for smooth data exchanges and app performance.

This article will guide you through the essentials of Salesforce API testing, highlighting its importance and best practices for effective testing.

What is Salesforce API Testing?

Salesforce API testing is a method of validating software by sending requests directly to Salesforce API endpoints and analyzing the responses.

This approach allows testers to check how the system processes data, enforces business rules, and integrates with other applications, all without interacting with the user interface.

Common types of tests performed through Salesforce APIs include :

• Unit tests, which check individual functions or modules;
• Integration tests, which ensure different components and external systems work together seamlessly;
• And functional tests, which confirm that features behave as specified.

Additional testing types, such as security and performance testing, are also important. These focus on data protection and system reliability under various conditions.

Importance of Salesforce API Testing

Salesforce API testing plays a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of applications.

Here are some key reasons why using Salesforce API testing is essential:

• Ensures that Salesforce applications communicate correctly with external systems and handle data accurately.
• Detects issues early in the development process, reducing the risk of bugs reaching production and improving overall software quality.
• Allows faster and more reliable testing than traditional UI testing, saving time and resources.
• Enhances system stability and performance by validating how APIs handle different loads and data exchanges.
• Improves security by identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring sensitive business data is protected.
• It simplifies test maintenance since APIs are more stable and change less frequently than user interfaces.
• Helps organizations comply with industry regulations by regularly checking data integrity and security controls.
• Reduces costs by catching problems early, minimizing rework, and avoiding disruptions to business operations.
• Supports seamless integration with third-party services and ensures all connected components work together as intended.
• Contributes to a better user experience by ensuring the backend logic delivers consistent and accurate results.

How to Perform Salesforce API Testing

When testing Salesforce APIs, the goal is to ensure the system interacts correctly with external applications and services by performing valid requests and validating the responses.

Salesforce offers various APIs, including REST, SOAP, and Bulk API, catering to different integration needs.

Step-by-Step Guide on Performing Salesforce API Testing

This guide walks you through testing Salesforce’s REST API by querying account data and verifying the results.

Scenario: A company uses an external application to retrieve Salesforce account records. The goal is to ensure the external app can authenticate and fetch the expected data.

Step 1: Set Up Salesforce API Access

• Prerequisite: Have a Salesforce Developer Edition account or API access enabled on your instance.
• Action: Sign up for Salesforce Developer Edition, ensuring API access is enabled (default for Developer and Enterprise Editions).

Step 2: Authenticate with Salesforce

• Prerequisite: Prepare Salesforce credentials (username, password, and security token).
• Action: Send a POST request to Salesforce’s authentication endpoint to receive an access token for future API requests.

import requests



# Salesforce authentication URL

auth_url = "https://login.salesforce.com/services/oauth2/token"



# Salesforce credentials

username = "your_username"

password = "your_password"

security_token = "your_security_token"



# Authentication request payload

data = {

    "grant_type": "password",

    "client_id": "your_client_id",  # Replace with your client ID

    "client_secret": "your_client_secret",  # Replace with your client secret

    "username": username,

    "password": password + security_token

}



# Sending the request to get the access token

response = requests.post(auth_url, data=data)

access_token = response.json().get("access_token")

instance_url = response.json().get("instance_url")



# Check if authentication was successful

if access_token:

    print("Authentication successful")

else:

    print("Authentication failed")

This code sends an authentication request to Salesforce’s OAuth endpoint and retrieves an access token required for API requests.

Step 3: Make an API Request to Query Accounts

• Prerequisite: Familiarity with the Salesforce object model (e.g., Account, Contact) and SOQL.
• Action: Use the access token to send a GET request to Salesforce’s REST API to query the first 5 Account records, retrieving the Id and Name fields

# Salesforce API URL for querying Account records

query_url = f"{instance_url}/services/data/vXX.X/query?q=SELECT+Id,Name+FROM+Account+LIMIT+5"



# Setting headers with the access token for authorization

headers = {

    "Authorization": f"Bearer {access_token}",

    "Content-Type": "application/json"

}



# Sending the request to query Account records

response = requests.get(query_url, headers=headers)



# Check if the request was successful

if response.status_code == 200:

    accounts = response.json().get("records", [])

    for account in accounts:

        print(f"Account ID: {account['Id']}, Account Name: {account['Name']}")

else:

    print("Error querying accounts")

Step 4: Verify the Response

• Prerequisite: Understanding of JSON format and how to check for specific data in the response.
• Action: Verify that the API returns the correct account data and that it matches the expected results by comparing the response fields to the expected values.

The response will contain account records in JSON format. A sample JSON format is shown below –

{

    "totalSize": 5,

    "done": true,

    "records": [

        {

            "attributes": {

                "type": "Account",

                "url": "/services/data/vXX.X/sobjects/Account/001XXXXXXXXXXXX"

            },

            "Id": "001XXXXXXXXXXXX",

            "Name": "Test Account 1"

        },

        {

            "attributes": {

                "type": "Account",

                "url": "/services/data/vXX.X/sobjects/Account/002XXXXXXXXXXXX"

            },

            "Id": "002XXXXXXXXXXXX",

            "Name": "Test Account 2"

        }

    ]

}

Expected Output Example:

Account ID: 001XXXXXXXXXXXX, Account Name: Test Account 1

Account ID: 002XXXXXXXXXXXX, Account Name: Test Account 2

The team will verify that the output contains the expected accounts and data fields.

Step 5: Handle Errors and API Rate Limits

• Prerequisite: Knowledge of Salesforce API error codes and how to handle rate limits.
• Action: Handle errors like invalid requests, expired tokens, or hitting API rate limits. Check for common errors such as 401 Unauthorized (expired token) or 403 Forbidden (API limit reached), and ensure proper handling of these scenarios.

A small snippet of error-handling code is shown below.

if response.status_code == 401:

    print("Authentication failed or token expired")

elif response.status_code == 403:

    print("API rate limit exceeded")

Salesforce API Testing Template

A structured template for Salesforce API testing ensures consistency and thorough validation of each API endpoint.

Below is a simple template that can be used:

1. Test Case Name: Define the purpose of the test (e.g., “Validate Account Creation via API”).
2. API Endpoint: Specify the Salesforce API endpoint being tested (e.g., /services/data/vXX.X/sobjects/Account).
3. HTTP Method: Indicate the request type (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE).
4. Request Headers: List required headers such as Authorization, Content-Type, etc.
5. Request Body: Provide the JSON or XML payload for POST/PUT requests.
6. Pre-conditions: Describe setup requirements (e.g., authentication, pre-existing data).
7. Test Steps: Outline the steps to execute the test, including sending the request and capturing the response.
8. Expected Result: Define the expected response, including the status code, response body structure, and key values.
9. Actual Result: Record the actual response received from the API.
10. Status (Pass/Fail): Indicate whether the test passed or failed based on a comparison of expected and actual results.
11. Comments: Include any additional notes, such as encountered issues or follow-up actions.

This template can be used to standardize testing processes, helping QA teams ensure that all aspects of Salesforce APIs are thoroughly validated.

Tools for Salesforce API Testing

Testing Salesforce APIs requires using reliable tools to ensure smooth integration and functionality. Below are some of the most widely used tools for Salesforce API testing:

1. Requestly is a powerful tool for testing and debugging APIs. It allows users to modify HTTP requests and responses in real-time for better control over API testing.

Key Features:

• Modify HTTP Requests: Intercept and modify requests and responses for testing.
• Rule-Based Configuration: Easily set rules for request modifications based on conditions.
• Cross-Browser Testing: Allows testing across multiple browsers by manipulating requests.
• Integration: Integrates with popular testing frameworks for seamless API testing.

Pros:

• Simple, intuitive interface for creating custom rules.
• Useful for debugging and troubleshooting API interactions.
• Efficient for testing and modifying API requests without writing complex scripts.

Cons:

• Limited to HTTP requests and doesn’t support SOAP-based APIs.
• Lacks in-depth reporting and analytics features.
• Needs manual setup for automation testing, unlike other tools like Postman.

Verdict: Requestly is ideal for developers seeking a flexible and easy-to-use tool for testing APIs, especially in environments where custom request modifications are needed.

2. REST Assured is a Java-based library designed to simplify testing of REST APIs, providing powerful capabilities for validating API responses.

Key Features:

• Supports HTTP Methods: Works with GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, and PATCH requests.
• Easy Authentication: Built-in support for OAuth and other authentication methods.
• Integrates with JUnit and TestNG: Seamlessly integrates with Java testing frameworks.

Pros:

• Ideal for automated API testing in Java-based environments.
• Provides powerful validation for response data.
• Integrates easily with CI/CD pipelines for continuous testing.

Cons:

• Requires knowledge of Java and coding skills.
• Not as user-friendly as GUI-based tools like Postman.
• Limited support for SOAP APIs.

Verdict: REST Assured is perfect for teams working in Java environments who need advanced features and test automation for REST APIs.

3. SOAP UI is a comprehensive testing tool for both SOAP and REST APIs. It’s ideal for testing Salesforce’s SOAP-based and REST-based APIs.

Key Features:

• Support for SOAP and REST APIs: Works with both API protocols.
• Advanced Testing Features: Includes security, load, and data-driven testing.
• Mock Services: Simulate APIs for testing in the absence of actual services.

Pros:

• Robust tool for testing both SOAP and REST APIs.
• Advanced features for performance and security testing.
• Mock services help simulate API behavior for testing.

Cons:

• Steep learning curve for beginners.
• Resource-heavy and can impact system performance.
• Overkill for simple API testing tasks.

Verdict: SOAP UI is suitable for teams needing comprehensive testing features for complex API scenarios, but may not be necessary for smaller projects.

4. Katalon Studio is an automation tool supporting both web and API testing, making it ideal for Salesforce API automation.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Testing: Supports both API and web testing for end-to-end automation.
• Built-In Features: Offers data-driven testing, error handling, and reporting tools.
• CI/CD Integration: Easily integrates with tools like Jenkins for continuous testing.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface, great for beginners.
• Suitable for both web and API testing.
• Comprehensive built-in features that streamline testing.

Cons:

• Limited customization for advanced test scenarios.
• Requires more system resources compared to lighter tools like Postman.
• Not as flexible as more specialized API testing tools.

Verdict: Katalon Studio is a good option for teams that need both web and API testing with an easy-to-use interface but may not be ideal for highly customized testing needs.

5. Insomnia is a powerful REST and GraphQL client that simplifies API development, testing, and debugging. It offers a clean user interface and powerful features for creating requests, organizing tests, and debugging APIs.

Key Benefits of Insomnia:

• User-Friendly Interface: Provides a clean and intuitive UI for efficient API testing.
• Support for REST and GraphQL: Ideal for testing both RESTful and GraphQL APIs.
• Environment Variables: Allows seamless switching between environments for testing APIs in different stages (development, production, etc.).
• Extensive Plugins: Offers plugins for automation and integration with other tools.
• Collaboration: Enables team collaboration through shared environments and requests.

Verdict: Insomnia is a robust and user-friendly alternative to Postman, offering powerful features for API testing, especially for teams working with both REST and GraphQL APIs.

Why Should Salesforce API Testing Be Automated?

Automating Salesforce API testing accelerates the development process, providing faster, more accurate feedback while minimizing human error.

Key Benefits of Automated Salesforce API Testing:

• Improved Accuracy: Manual testing is prone to errors, but BrowserStack Automate ensures consistent, precise tests, detecting subtle issues in Salesforce APIs.
• Time and Cost Savings: Automated testing speeds up the process, allowing for faster releases and reducing manual testing costs. BrowserStack Automate runs tests in parallel, cutting down testing time significantly.
• Faster Feedback: Automating tests within the CI/CD pipeline provides developers with quick feedback, reducing debugging time and improving release cycles. BrowserStack Automate integrates seamlessly, ensuring early bug detection and faster releases.

Automating Salesforce API testing with BrowserStack Automate ensures efficient, accurate testing and enhances overall software quality while accelerating time to market.

Challenges of Salesforce API Testing

Salesforce API testing can be complex due to the platform’s robust features and dynamic environment.

Several challenges arise when performing tests, from handling authentication to managing complex data relationships, which require careful planning and execution.

1. Complex Authentication: Salesforce APIs require OAuth or username-password flows, which vary across environments.

Example: API tests fail when the OAuth token expires or is invalid.

2. Handling API Rate Limits: Salesforce imposes rate limits, causing throttling or test failures during high-volume requests.

Example: Load tests fail due to hitting rate limits, causing delays.

3. Data Dependency and Environment Configuration: Tests require specific data setups, leading to delays if configurations are missing.

Example: A test fails due to missing required pre-existing data.

4. Version Compatibility: Different Salesforce API versions can introduce changes or deprecated features, causing tests to break.

Example: Tests fail when API versions change and response structures are updated.

5. Complex Object Relationships: Salesforce objects, like Account-Contact, have intricate relationships that complicate queries.

Example: A query fails when relationships aren’t properly handled, leading to incomplete data.

Best Practices for Salesforce API Testing

To ensure efficient and reliable Salesforce API testing, following best practices can help streamline the process and reduce the likelihood of errors.

Implementing these practices enhances API testing efforts’ accuracy, performance, and overall success.

1. Use Proper Authentication Methods: Ensure that the correct authentication method, such as OAuth or username-password flow, is used to access Salesforce APIs securely. Regularly refresh authentication tokens to prevent authentication failures during tests.
2. Leverage Test Environments: Always test APIs in a dedicated test environment that mirrors the production environment. This prevents disruptions to live data and allows for accurate testing without affecting end-users.
3. Handle Rate Limits Effectively: Be aware of Salesforce API rate limits and plan tests accordingly. Implement retries with backoff strategies and ensure that tests are paced to avoid hitting the API limit, especially during load testing or bulk operations.
4. Automate Repetitive Tests: Automate repetitive tests like functional and regression tests to improve efficiency and ensure consistency across different testing cycles. This allows for faster feedback and continuous testing as part of the CI/CD pipeline.
5. Verify Data Integrity: Ensure that API tests check for the correctness and integrity of data returned by Salesforce APIs. Based on the test case scenario, validate that the expected data is present, correctly formatted, and accurate.
6. Monitor and Log Test Results: Monitor and log API test results for debugging and traceability. Detailed logs help identify issues quickly, making diagnosing problems in the Salesforce API responses easier
7. Test Different API Versions: Test against different versions of the Salesforce API to ensure compatibility and avoid breaking changes that may arise with new updates or version upgrades.

Talk to an Expert

Conclusion

Salesforce API testing is crucial for ensuring the reliability and functionality of Salesforce integrations. Automating tests early in the development lifecycle helps teams identify issues quickly, reduce the risk of defects in production, and speed up the release process.

By integrating automated testing into the development workflow, teams can ensure consistent performance across different environments, enhance test coverage, and achieve faster feedback to address issues promptly.