REST APIs have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their simplicity, flexibility, and compatibility with different programming languages. In this article, we will explore how to use REST APIs with Reltio, a cloud-based Master Data Management platform, and how to test these APIs using Postman.
Using REST APIs with Reltio Before diving into the specifics of using REST APIs with Reltio, it's essential to understand what REST APIs are and their four popular functions: GET, PUT, POST, and DELETE. These functions allow users to retrieve, update, create, and delete data, respectively.
Rest API call Types
1| GET
2| PUT
3| POST
4| DELETE
To use REST APIs with Reltio, we need to have some prerequisites, including Postman, Notepad++, and Git. Postman is a REST API client that simplifies making REST API calls, while Notepad++ is a text editor that makes editing JSON documents much easier. Git is a version control tool used to manage changes in the code.
Once we have our prerequisites in place, we can start using REST APIs with Reltio. We can retrieve data, update existing data, create new data, and delete data using the four popular REST API functions mentioned earlier.
API Testing using Postman API testing is an essential aspect of software development, and Postman is an excellent tool for testing REST APIs. Postman offers collections of pre-built API requests, as well as the ability to create and save your own collections. It also allows us to create sample environments that mimic the environment where the API is deployed. These environments contain variables that represent API endpoints and other important details.
To start using Postman for API testing, we need to import our API collection and environment files. Once we have imported our files, we can use the pre-populated variables in the sample environment to make API calls. We can also create our own environments and collections for testing.
Sample environments are as important as API collections themselves. They contain variables that represent the API endpoints and other critical details that we need to make API calls. Without these variables, making API calls can be frustrating, especially if we don't know what the variables look like.
To create our own API collection, we need to identify the necessary fields and values, which we can do by referencing the API documentation or consulting with the support team. We can use tools like Excel or Google Sheets to create the mapping file in the required format, ensuring that the file is saved in the correct format and named appropriately before uploading it to the batch process.
Tips to know when working with Reltio's REST API
Understanding the Reltio Data Model: Before working with REST APIs in Reltio, it's important to have a good understanding of the data model. This includes the entities, attributes, and relationships that make up the data stored in Reltio. You can explore the data model using the Reltio UI or by querying the APIs.
Authentication and Authorization: When working with REST APIs, it's crucial to understand the authentication and authorization mechanisms used by the API provider. Reltio uses OAuth2 for authentication and authorization, which requires obtaining an access token that can be used to make API calls. The article can provide a step-by-step guide on how to obtain an access token.
Error Handling: It's important to handle errors properly when working with REST APIs. Reltio returns error messages in JSON format, which can be parsed to identify the cause of the error. The article can provide examples of common error messages and how to handle them.
Best Practices for API Testing: In addition to using Postman, there are several best practices that can help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of API testing. These include creating test cases for each API endpoint, using data-driven testing, and automating tests using tools like Newman.
REST APIs have become a crucial part of modern software development, and tools like Postman make it easier than ever to work with them. In the case of Reltio, REST APIs provide a powerful way to interact with the platform, allowing users to perform a wide range of functions, from retrieving data to updating and deleting it. With the help of Postman, users can streamline their API testing process and ensure that their applications are working as intended. By following best practices and understanding key concepts such as the Reltio data model, authentication and authorization, error handling, and troubleshooting, users can make the most of REST APIs and achieve their development goals. Whether you're new to Reltio or a seasoned veteran, understanding REST APIs and API testing with Postman is an essential skill for any developer.
Using REST APIs with Reltio is an effective way of retrieving, updating, creating, and deleting data in the Master Data Management platform. API testing using Postman helps us streamline our testing process and ensures that our APIs are functioning correctly. With the knowledge gained in this article, developers can take a step forward in using REST APIs with Reltio and testing these APIs using Postman.
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