<p data-start="71" data-end="319">API testing is not a one-time task&mdash;it&rsquo;s a continuous process that spans the entire development lifecycle. For an api tester, understanding this lifecycle is key to ensuring reliable, secure, and high-performing APIs that meet business expectations.

<p data-start="321" data-end="728">The process begins at the requirements stage. This is where API testers collaborate with product managers and developers to understand the intended behavior of each endpoint. Clear requirements help testers define what needs to be validated, including request formats, response structures, error handling, and performance expectations. Catching ambiguities at this stage can prevent costly rework later.

<p data-start="730" data-end="1009">Next comes test planning and design. Here, theapi tester identifies test scenarios, edge cases, and negative paths. This includes validating HTTP status codes, headers, payloads, and authentication mechanisms. Well-designed test cases act as a safety net as the API evolves.

<p data-start="1011" data-end="1332">During the development and integration phase, API tests are executed frequently. Automated tests are especially valuable here, as they allow testers to quickly detect regressions when new code is introduced. Tools that integrate well with CI/CD pipelines make it easier to keep testing aligned with development speed.

<p data-start="1334" data-end="1620">Once APIs are stable, performance and security testing take center stage. This phase ensures the API can handle expected load, respond within acceptable time limits, and protect sensitive data. It&rsquo;s also where testers verify that APIs behave correctly under stress or invalid input.

<p data-start="1622" data-end="1919">Finally, in production validation, monitoring and post-deployment checks confirm that the API works as expected in real-world conditions. Some teams also leverage tools like Keploy to generate test cases from actual API traffic, helping validate real usage patterns with minimal manual effort.



<p data-start="1921" data-end="2117" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">In summary, API testing is a lifecycle, not a checkbox. When an api tester is involved from requirements to production, teams gain confidence, reduce bugs, and deliver more reliable APIs to users.