Parameterize a Web Service Object in Katalon

Query Parameters

API Query parameters are defined as the optional key-value pairs. It appears in the URL after the question mark. They are the extension of URLs. They determine the specific action or content based on the delivered data. They are used to filter the resources. 

Query parameters can also be added to a REST request's URL. It can be for tailoring and filtering the response output. Katalon Studio detects the query parameters when you input a URL (that is present after the question mark ?). It then lists them in the table. It helps in better management.

Variables and Parameterizing Request Objects

Both manual and scripting editors are available in the Variables section of Katalon Studio. Using variables in a request object, you can manage the dynamic values of an object's properties. It helps in applying more control over them. You can add a new variable in the Variables tab and define its characteristics.

You can use ${variable_name} syntax as a placeholder to call variables in a Web Service object. Placeholders can be in any of the supported locations. The predefined variables' respective values are provided to their placeholders during runtime. The process is known as parameterization and is the same as parameterizing a WebUI object. In other words, the process of transforming values or objects defined within a function or method into parameters for that function or method is known as parameterization.

The predefined variables are included when you add a request object to a test case in the manual view. You don't need to declare them again.

For RESTful request

The declared variables of a RESTful Web Service object may be called in the following places by Katalon Studio.

• URL
• HTTP Header
• HTTP Body
• Query Parameters
• Verification

For SOAP-based request

Given below are the following locations where the predefined variables can be used:

• WSDL URL
• HTTP Header
• Request Message
• Service Endpoint (available from version 7.5.5)
• Verification

Add test requests to a test case

There are various ways to add test request objects to a Katalon Studio test case. You can call the web service requests in a test case view and check the results. The test case view can be a Manual View (keywords test) or Script View (test scripts).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Katalon Studio used for?

Katalon is used to create and reuse automated test scripts for UI without coding. It allows running automated tests of UI elements. It can be launched on Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Is Katalon Studio better than Selenium?

Selenium is faster than Katalon studio. The reason behind it is the scripting language. Katalon uses Groovy, which is built on Java. So it has to load more libraries, test objects, etc. The difference in performance and speed will be noticeable if the test is very long.

What language does Katalon use?

Katalon Studio uses Groovy, a language built on top of Java. It has to load many libraries for parsing test data, objects, and logging.

What are web service types?

There are two types of web services: SOAP and REST. Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) defines a set of rules for communication. REST stands for Representational State Transfer.

Is REST API a web service?

Yes, REST API is a type of Web Service API. A REST API is a standardized architecture for creating a Web Service API. 

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed Web Service Objects in Katalon Studio. We have also explained query parameters, variables, and parameterizing request objects. Adding test requests to a test case is also covered in detail.

We hope this blog has helped you enhance your knowledge of Web Service Objects in Katalon Studio. To learn more, check out our articles on introduction to API and its usage, Web API introduction, and real-world API. Practice makes a man perfect. To practice and improve yourself in the interview, you can check out Top 100 SQL problems, Interview experience, Coding interview questions, and the Ultimate guide path for interviews.

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