How to Use SoapUI for API and Web Services Testing

Testing APIs is a critical part of software development, especially as applications increasingly rely on web services for data exchange and integration. One powerful and widely used tool for API testing—particularly for SOAP and REST services—is SoapUI. It’s a free, open-source tool (with a commercial version called ReadyAPI) designed specifically for functional, regression, and load testing of APIs.

Whether you're working with legacy SOAP services or modern REST APIs, SoapUI provides an intuitive interface to design, execute, and automate test cases.


What is SoapUI?

SoapUI is a cross-platform API testing tool that supports:

  • SOAP and RESTful web services
  • Functional and load testing
  • Test automation and scripting
  • Security testing

SoapUI can validate both request/response structure and content. It also allows assertions, test suites, test cases, and even data-driven testing with property transfers and scripting support (Groovy/JavaScript).


Getting Started with SoapUI

Step 1: Install SoapUI

Go to https://www.soapui.org/downloads/soapui/ and download the open-source version.

Run the installer and launch the application.


Step 2: Create a New Project

When you start SoapUI:

Click File > New SOAP Project (for SOAP APIs) or File > New REST Project (for REST APIs).

Enter the WSDL (for SOAP) or the base URL of the REST API.

SoapUI will auto-generate a structure with services, endpoints, and sample operations.


Step 3: Send Requests

You can now:

Choose an operation (e.g., getCustomerInfo)

Enter required request parameters or body

Click the green Run arrow to send the request

View the response in real-time


Step 4: Add Assertions

SoapUI allows you to add assertions to verify response status, content, structure, and time. Common assertions include:

Contains – Ensures a specific text or value appears in the response.

XPath Match – For SOAP/XML responses.

JSONPath Match – For REST/JSON responses.

Response SLA – Ensures response times meet expected thresholds.

You can add assertions by right-clicking on the response and choosing Add Assertion.


Advanced Features

Test Suites and Test Cases

You can organize your tests into Test Suites and Test Cases:

A Test Suite is a collection of related tests.

A Test Case contains individual steps such as sending requests, validating responses, or extracting data.


Property Transfers

SoapUI lets you extract data from one response and pass it into another request using properties and property transfer steps, making it ideal for complex, multi-step workflows.


Scripting Support

You can extend your test cases using Groovy scripts to perform calculations, handle logic, or dynamically modify requests and assertions.


Why Use SoapUI?

  • Comprehensive API Testing: Supports both functional and non-functional testing.
  • No Coding Required: UI-driven test creation.
  • Supports Both SOAP and REST: Versatile for legacy and modern systems.
  • Reusable Tests: Ideal for automation and CI/CD integration.
  • Assertions and Data-Driven Tests: Create robust and repeatable tests.


Conclusion

SoapUI is a powerful tool for developers, testers, and QA professionals looking to validate web services effectively. Whether you're testing a legacy SOAP service or a modern REST API, SoapUI makes the process faster and more reliable. With features like assertions, property transfers, and test automation, it's a must-have in your API testing toolkit.


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