October 2017 Summaries

Postman offers a robust framework for writing and running tests on APIs, which is crucial for ensuring code functionality and stability as a codebase grows. Tests, written in JavaScript, can be executed after receiving a response to verify that APIs are working as intended, with the option to use code snippets to get started quickly. Postman supports both standard and custom test writing, utilizing the pm.test() function for creating test specifications, and integrates with continuous integration and delivery tools to automate testing processes. Users can run tests individually or as part of a collection using Postman’s collection runner, the Newman command line tool, or a scheduled monitor. Test results are displayed in real-time in the Postman app or in the terminal when using Newman, making it easier for developers to ensure their code is bug-resistant and reducing the need for manual debugging.

BetterCloud is a SaaS application management and security platform that helps centralize data and controls, enforce security policies, and delegate administrative privileges across various SaaS applications. Headquartered in New York City with an engineering office in Atlanta, BetterCloud uses Postman Pro to enhance its engineering team's efficiency in organizing API documentation and endpoints. The Team Library feature streamlines API management by serving as a single source of truth, allowing teams to share collections and environment templates, thereby improving collaboration and keeping endpoints up to date. Security is prioritized through the use of environments to protect sensitive information like passwords and API keys, while pre-request scripts facilitate easier authentication by automating the generation and application of HMAC headers. This approach not only simplifies the management of APIs but also enhances the security and operational efficiency of BetterCloud's development processes.

Tyk is an open-source API Gateway and management platform that caters to industries like healthcare, finance, tech, and education, offering flexible deployment options through on-premises installations, SaaS in the AWS Cloud, or hybrid solutions, and compatibility with container platforms like Docker and Kubernetes. The platform's engineers, distributed globally, leverage Postman for engaging sales demonstrations, workshops, and technical support, enhancing client interactions by showcasing features such as rate limiting, quota management, and API security in an understandable format. Postman collections are used to predefine requests for sales demos, facilitate interactive workshops by simplifying complex concepts for varied technical audiences, and improve technical support by allowing clients to share issues via Postman collections, which Tyk can run to quickly diagnose and troubleshoot problems. This approach not only demonstrates the capabilities of Tyk's API management but also ensures clients have a clear and effective understanding of its functionality and security features.

Postman has introduced a feature that allows users to sign in to multiple accounts simultaneously, addressing the inconvenience of logging out and back in when managing different accounts. This feature is available in both the Postman app and web view, enabling users to switch between accounts with just a few clicks. Upon signing in, users can sync collections across devices, monitor and mock API requests, and generate documentation. The process involves clicking on the profile image to access a list of active accounts, with an option to add new accounts or switch back to previous ones seamlessly.

Postman's New button significantly streamlines API development and testing by allowing users to create essential features such as requests, collections, environments, monitors, documentation, and mock servers with a single click. Users can easily initiate new projects through the Create New modal, selecting from various options like building blocks for basic requests or advanced setups like monitors and mock servers. Requests can be customized with details like URL, method, headers, and body, while collections help organize these requests into manageable groups. Environments facilitate variable management for different API setups, and monitors provide regular performance checks with configurable frequencies. Documentation is auto-generated and hosted by Postman, enhancing collaboration by making API details accessible to teams. Mock servers enable simulation of API endpoints, allowing developers to test interactions before actual deployment, with options for public sharing to collaborate with front-end developers.

A Software Engineer at Postman describes their role and experiences after seven months at the company, highlighting the technologies they work with and a recent project they've found engaging. They discuss the features of the Postman app that everyone should be aware of and share their enthusiasm for additional developer tools beyond Postman. The engineer also offers a personal insight into something unknown about them and invites others to join the Postman team, mentioning that the company is hiring.

SynapseFI, a company that integrates banking products into financial technology and traditional bank applications, utilizes Postman to enhance both internal collaboration and customer support in their API development and integration processes. Originally based in Memphis and now operating from San Francisco, SynapseFI employs Postman's features like the Team Library for sharing API collections, facilitating team collaboration, and providing a training platform for both technical and non-technical staff. The tool is essential for onboarding new employees, running biweekly training sessions led by CEO Sankaet Pathak, and demonstrating API functionalities to customers. By using Postman in sandbox testing environments, SynapseFI can offer customers a practical experience of their APIs without the need for premature integration, thus saving time and resources.

The Postman Sandbox is a JavaScript execution environment used for writing pre-request and test scripts in Postman and Newman, featuring the advanced pm.* API for enhanced scripting capabilities. The pm.* API, succeeding the older postman.* API, allows developers to access request and response elements, enforce testing rules, and manage environments and variables more efficiently. A key feature of this API is the pm.sendRequest() function, which enables asynchronous request sending, allowing scripts to execute without blocking subsequent tasks. Asynchronous JavaScript, while single-threaded, can process commands without delay, as demonstrated with functions like setTimeout(), offering the advantage of executing logic in the background for computational tasks or multiple requests. The pm.sendRequest() function takes a request and callback, handling errors and responses, and is applicable in both pre-request and test scripts, enhancing Postman's capability to handle use cases like authentication beyond the app's interface.