Overview

This course features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. Master the essentials of REST API testing with REST Assured, the industry-standard Java library for validating HTTP responses. You’ll gain the confidence to build robust, scalable test automation frameworks and extract meaningful insights from API responses using modern tools and techniques. The course begins with prerequisite setup, introducing you to the essential tools and target APIs used throughout. You'll then build a REST Assured test framework from the ground up, configuring request and response specifications, and setting up endpoints. By mid-course, you’ll dive deep into executing various HTTP requests—GET, POST (JSON & XML), PUT, DELETE—while applying path and query parameters effectively. Next, you'll explore asserting and extracting data from responses, including headers and payloads. You’ll work with JSON Path and POJOs, validate schemas, and measure response times. The final modules cover Groovy GPath for advanced JSON and XML manipulation, helping you extract, filter, and analyze data efficiently. This course is perfect for testers, developers, and QA professionals aiming to boost their API automation skills. A basic understanding of Java and REST APIs is recommended.

Syllabus

Prerequisite Installations and Setup

In this module, we will introduce the course and set up the essential environment to get started with REST Assured. You'll learn about the software tools needed and get acquainted with two sample APIs—Video Game DB and Football Data API—that will be used for hands-on learning. This foundation ensures you're ready to dive into API testing with REST Assured.

REST Assured - Preparing Your Framework

In this module, we will build the groundwork for a reusable and scalable REST Assured testing framework. You'll learn how to create a project, write your first test, and apply best practices like base classes, request/response specifications, and external config files. These are essential steps toward maintaining a clean and manageable API automation suite.

REST Assured - Different Request Types

In this module, we will explore how to perform different types of HTTP requests using REST Assured. From GET to DELETE, you’ll see how to send requests with JSON and XML payloads, utilize path and query parameters, and set up configuration for multiple APIs. This module deepens your understanding of real-world API interactions.

REST Assured - Assert and Extract from the Response Body

In this module, we will focus on verifying and extracting data from HTTP responses. You'll learn to assert values in the body, capture headers, and extract detailed information using JSON Path expressions. This is crucial for ensuring the correctness and reliability of your API tests.

REST Assured - Serialization, Schema Validation, and Measuring Response Time

In this module, we will cover advanced concepts like object serialization, schema validation, and performance measurement. You'll learn to convert JSON responses into POJOs, verify data against schemas, and track response times to evaluate API speed and efficiency.

Using Groovy GPath for JSON in REST Assured

In this module, we will unlock the power of Groovy GPath for advanced JSON data processing. You’ll learn to extract single and multiple values, perform statistical calculations, and combine queries for deeper insights. These skills help make your tests more data-driven and flexible.

Using Groovy GPath for XML in REST Assured

In this module, we will extend GPath techniques to XML data structures. You'll learn to extract elements, attributes, and nodes based on conditions, and navigate deeply nested XML using depth-first strategies. This is essential for working with SOAP-based or XML-centric APIs.

Conclusion

In this module, we will wrap up the course with a quick recap and words of encouragement. You'll reflect on what you've learned and be ready to apply REST Assured for real-world API testing scenarios. Congratulations on reaching the finish line!