Working with Database Drivers in Ready API

JDBC Drivers

The JDBC driver uses the JDBC (Java Database Connectivity) API, which was established by Sun Microsystems, which is now part of Oracle, and provides a standard method of accessing data using the Java programming language. An application can use JDBC to access a number of databases and operate on any platform that has a Java Virtual Machine. It is not essential to develop separate programs to access various database systems. Using JDBC, you may create a single application that can deliver SQL (Standard Query Language) commands to several data sources.

The JDBC API specifies a set of Java interfaces that contain major database functions such as query execution, result processing, and configuration information. JDBC apps run on every platform since they are built in Java.

Let us move one step forward to working with database drivers in Ready API.

Ready API

Ready API is a no-code API testing platform aimed at simplifying your testing procedures. End-to-end tests can be automated and scaled across many API types. Run load tests that are compatible with your functional tests. Allow virtualization to ensure that your development teams have fast and dependable integrations.

Ready API is a centralized, automated testing platform that allows teams to build, manage, and execute performance tests.

Now that we have a brief understanding of Database Drivers and Ready API, we can now proceed forward with working with database drivers in ReadyAPI.

Database Manager

The Databases manager is a ReadyAPI tool that allows you to create and update database connection strings. The connection strings will enable you to retrieve database data and use it into your tests. If one of your test steps requires such a connection, you must configure it correctly.

• Click on databases on the toolbar to access the Databases manager.
• All accessible JDBC connections are displayed in the manager pane.
• Make sure the driver is in the bin/ext directory before creating a new connection.
• You can use the connections when you complete configuring them by selecting the Data Connection type for data source test stages.
   

ReadyAPI has pre-configured JDBC connectors. You can, however, install many JDBC drivers in your environment.

Preconfigured JDBC Drivers  

In ReadyAPI, several database drivers provide predefined connection strings. To utilize the connection template, you must still install the necessary driver.

Installing Database Drivers

Before you can interact with databases in ReadyAPI, you must first connect to them. The connection drivers are used for this. During the ReadyAPI installation, you can install the Postgres JDBC4 Driver or the Microsoft JDBC Driver.

Installing third-party JDBC drivers

To install a third-party JDBC driver, follow these steps:

• Install the necessary JDBC driver package.
   
• Place the driver files in your ReadyAPI installation's bin/ext directory.
   
• To load the driver, restart ReadyAPI.
   
• Go to Preferences > JDBC Drivers in ReadyAPI and add the new connection template.
   
• You will be able to add the database connection once you have created the driver and connection string.
   

NOTE: Ready API includes connection string templates for a variety of JDBC drivers.

Connection String Template

A custom string template must be specified when installing a database driver. This template is used by ReadyAPI to make it easier to configure a JDBC connection.

A connection string template is a standard connection string with placeholders in place of some values. When configuring a JDBC connection, Ready API provides text fields that can be used instead of placeholders. 

In these fields, you indicate the required values, and Ready API utilizes these values instead of placeholders. This enables you to specify a single connection string template for several JDBC connections.

Use the following template to provide a placeholder:

<placeholder[: default value]>

Now, we list down the placeholders that are available:

If the required placeholder is not listed in the table, you must supply the required value in the template.

It’s time to answer some FAQs on working with database drivers in Ready API 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the need for ReadyAPI?

Ready API is a tool that helps in the functional and load testing of web services.

What are some of ReadyAPI's key features?

ReadyAPI is a tool for developing and running API tests. It has tools for designing test cases, running tests, and providing reports. It also includes a mimicking service tool that can be used to simulate API replies during testing.

What is the architecture of the ReadyAPI?

ReadyAPI is an API testing tool developed on top of SoapUI. SoapUI is used for functional testing, whereas ReadyAPI adds functionality such as load testing, security testing, and virtualization.

Is data-driven testing supported by ReadyAPI? If so, what data sources can be used?

Yes, data-driven testing is supported by ReadyAPI. Excel, CSV, and XML files are among the data sources that can be used.

Who is in charge of managing all database drivers?

JDBC DriverManager is a class responsible for managing a list of database drivers. It uses a communication subprotocol to match connection requests from the Java application with the appropriate database driver.

Conclusion

So with this, we come to the end of this blog. We briefly introduced the Database drivers, JDBC driver, and Ready API. We looked at the database manager, learned how to install database drivers, discussed connection string templates, and learned about preconfigured JDBC drivers. We hope, now you have a clear understanding of working with database drivers in Ready API

If you want to learn more about Ready API, follow the given links:

• Load Schedulers and Test Assertions in Ready API
• JDBC virtual Service tutorial in ready API
• Virtual Service Scripting and events in Ready API
   

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