Run API tests manually in Postman

In Postman, you can run your functional API tests at any time. Running tests manually enables you to execute tests on demand and view the results right away. For example, you can check if an endpoint is working or verify that a code change fixes a specific error.

Running tests manually gives you the flexibility to adjust your test plans based on the changing needs of your project. You can also use manual testing to investigate complex issues and find root causes and possible solutions.

Run a single test

In Postman, the basic unit of testing is an API request. Each request tests a specific piece of functionality by calling an API endpoint. You can use scripts to add test logic to a request. For example, you can write test scripts to check if the expected data is received when the request is sent.

To manually run a single test, do the following:

1. Select Collections in the sidebar and open the request with the test you want to run.
2. (Optional) If you want to send the request with an environment, select it using the environment selector at the top right of Postman.
3. Select Send.
4. Select the Test Result tab to view the test results.

Learn more at Send a request with the Postman API client.

Run a test suite

Use Postman Collections to organize individual API requests into a test suite. Then use the Collection Runner to run the tests in the order you choose. You can also upload data files to run tests multiple times using different data each time.

To manually run a test suite, do the following:

1. Select Collections in the sidebar and select the collection or folder you want to run.
2. Select Run.
3. On the Functional tab, select Run manually.
4. (Optional) If you want to run the collection with an environment, select it using the environment selector at the top right of Postman.
5. Choose any configuration options, such as the number of iterations you want to run.
6. Select Run (collection name). Postman displays the test results in the workbench in real time.

Learn more at Test your API using the Collection Runner.

Your Postman plan gives you a limited number of collection runs you can use each month. Learn more about resource usage in Postman.