How to Use Postman?A Comprehensive Guide from Basics to Core Features

In modern software development and API testing, Postman has become an indispensable tool. It provides an intuitive and powerful interface that helps developers easily build, test, and debug APIs. This article will delve into how to use Postman, covering basic concepts to core features, enabling you to make the most out of this tool.

Step One: Download and Install

Let's begin with downloading and installing Postman. Postman supports multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. You can download the version for your operating system from the official website. The installation process is straightforward; simply follow the instructions provided by the installation wizard.

Once installed, launch Postman. You'll be greeted with a friendly welcome screen, so let's dive into the exciting world of Postman!

Step Two: Basic Concepts

Before we explore the core features of Postman, let's understand some basic concepts.

1. Workspace

A workspace is where you organize and store requests, environments, and collections in Postman. A workspace can contain multiple collections, and each collection can contain multiple requests. This makes it easier to organize and manage API requests within a project.

2. Request

A request is a call to an API, including the HTTP method (GET, POST, etc.), URL, parameters, headers, and more. In Postman, you can create, save, and share requests, facilitating team collaboration and maintenance.

3. Environment

An environment contains a set of variables that can be referenced in requests. This enables easy switching between different environments without modifying hardcoded values in each request. For example, you can have a development environment and a production environment, switching between them without changing requests.

Step Three: Create Your First Request

Now that we understand some basic concepts, let's create your first request.

1. Open Postman and Create a Workspace

Open the Postman application, click the "New" button in the top left corner and select "Workspace",enter the workspace name and description, then click "Create Workspace."

2. Create a Request

In the left-side navigation bar, select "Collections",click the "New Request" button and select "HTTP", enter the request name and description.

3. Configure Request Parameters

In the request editing interface, select the HTTP method (GET, POST, etc.),enter the API URL,In the "Params" tab, add any query parameters.

4. Send the Request

Click the "Send" button in the top right corner.Review the response, including the status code, response body, and more.

Step Four: Use Environment Variables

Using environment variables makes requests more flexible, especially when switching between different environments.

1. Creating an Environment

In the left-side navigation bar, select "Environments",click the "New Environment" button, enter the environment name and add variables along with their values.

2. Use Environment Variables in a Request

In the request editing interface, use the {{variable_name}} syntax to reference environment variables, such as {{host}}, switch environments in the "Manage Environments" in the top right corner.

Step Five: Organize Requests with Collections

Collections are containers for related requests, making it easier to organize and manage requests within a project.

1. Create a Collection

In the left-side navigation bar, select "Collections", click the "New Collection" button, enter the collection name and description.

2. Add Requests to a Collection

In the request editing interface, select "Save" and choose the collection to save to.

3. Run Requests in a Collection

In the left-side navigation bar, select "Runner",choose the collection to run and click the "Run" button.

Step Six: Use Test Scripts

Postman allows you to write test scripts to verify if the API response meets expectations.

1. Write Test Scripts

In the request editing interface, go to the "Tests" tab and write JavaScript test scripts.

pm.test("Status code is 200", function () {
    pm.response.to.have.status(200);
});

2. Run Test Scripts

After sending the request, check the test results in the "Test Results" tab at the bottom.

Other Postman Tutorials

How does Postman send a POST request?

The steps to send a POST request in Postman are simple, including creating a new interface, setting the URL and parameters, selecting the data type, and finally sending the request.

ZGYAutumn

How does Postman send a GET request?

The steps to send a GET request using Postman are simple and straightforward: create a new interface and set it to a GET request, fill in the relevant URL address and parameters, and click “Send” to dispatch the request.

ZGYAutumn

How does Postman send a DELETE request?

The steps for sending DELETE requests using Postman are as follows: first, create an interface in Postman and set the request method to DELETE; second, fill in the relevant URL, parameters, and headers; finally, click “Send” to send the request.

ZGYAutumn

How does Postman send a PUT request？

The steps to send a PUT request in Postman are relatively simple, including creating a new interface, selecting the PUT method, filling in the URL, and parameters.

ZGYAutumn

How to Send JSON Data in Postman

This article aims to provide beginners with a step-by-step guide, enabling them to successfully send JSON requests in Postman. By mastering these fundamental steps, you will gain a better understanding of the API request process, enhancing their efficiency in API testing and development.

ZGYAutumn

How to Use Environment Variables in Postman

In Postman, start by creating an environment. Click the “eye” icon in the top-right corner, select “Manage Environments,” and then click “Add” to create a new environment. Fill in the environment’s name and corresponding variables, such as {{base_url}} for storing the API’s base address.

ZGYAutumn

How to add certificate in Postman?

Adding certificates in Postman is a key step in ensuring secure communication. By selecting “Settings” and then accessing the “Certificate” tab, you can manage client certificates.

ZGYAutumn

Comprehensive Guide to Implementing Automated Testing in Postman: A Deep Dive

The steps to create automated testing in Postman include creating new requests, managing multiple environments using environment variables, writing test scripts, using Pre-request Scripts, and running tests and viewing results.

ZGYAutumn

What are Postman tests and how to write?

Postman’s Tests are automatically executed scripts used to validate if request responses meet expectations. They are written in JavaScript and offer predefined assertion functions to check various aspects of responses.

ZGYAutumn

Conclusion

With this guide, you should now have a comprehensive understanding of how to use Postman. From basic concepts to core features, Postman provides rich and powerful tools for API development and testing. As you delve deeper into Postman through practical use, you'll master its advanced features, providing efficient support for your team's development and testing processes. We hope you experience a more enjoyable and productive development journey using Postman!

How to Use Postman: A Comprehensive Guide from Basics to Core Features

With this guide, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to use Postman. From basic concepts to core features, Postman provides rich and powerful tools for API development and testing.

ZGYAutumn

Learn more:

• What is Postman?Comprehensive introduction