November 2016 Summaries

Collection Runner 2.0, an enhanced version of the automated API testing tool, is now available in the Canary channel and offers increased flexibility and usability for both simple and complex debugging sessions. Built on Postman Runtime, the new Runner supports parallel runs, faster test execution, and a more secure environment for running scripts. It features a redesigned interface with detailed request logs, instant feedback on request data, and memory management options to optimize performance for large collections. Users can utilize filters to focus on specific requests and access a comprehensive Run Summary for an overview of their API's stability. Additional functionalities such as pausing runs and running them in parallel enhance the debugging experience, while feedback and support are encouraged through community channels.

In a continuation of a series focusing on conditional workflows in Postman, this post details the creation of an on-demand Spotify playlist using Postman Collections and the Spotify API. The author describes a process of selecting a favorite artist, using the Spotify API to gather metadata, and expanding the playlist with randomly chosen popular songs and related artists. Readers are guided through setting up their Spotify Developer account, configuring their environment in Postman, and executing the workflow to generate a playlist. The workflow involves obtaining a refresh token through the Authorization Code Flow, configuring environment variables, and using Postman's Collection Runner to automate the playlist creation. The process allows for dynamic playlist expansion by persisting variables, and the workflow can also be executed in Newman. The series is set to conclude with instructions on scheduling the collection for regular updates, mimicking Spotify's Discover Weekly feature.

AMC Theatres, a leader in the movie theatre industry with high customer satisfaction, has its API Platform and Ecommerce team based in the Kansas City area, consisting of 12 developers who utilize a REST architecture. Since early 2016, the team has adopted Postman Cloud (now Postman Pro) for its advanced features, transitioning from the free Postman app to streamline API documentation and management. The tool provides a comprehensive solution for sharing API requests, variables, and environment templates among teams, facilitating collaboration and efficiency. By using Postman Collections, the AMC team efficiently manages hundreds of API endpoints across various environments, enhancing the ease of onboarding new developers and partners. Ian Joyce, Director of API Platform & Ecommerce, highlights the platform's role in promoting communication and collaboration, ultimately simplifying the developers' workflow.