Protocols

REST, GraphQL, SOAP, WebSockets — when to pick what, how to test each.

beginner·8 min

What is a REST API? The 2026 Definitive Guide

REST is the default API style on the web. Here's what it actually means — stripped of jargon and with runnable examples.

what is rest apirest api explainedrestful api
beginner·7 min

REST CRUD Explained: Create, Read, Update, Delete Walkthrough

CRUD is the heartbeat of REST. Create, Read, Update, Delete — walked through end to end.

rest crudcrud operationscreate read update delete
beginner·6 min

PATCH vs PUT: The Difference That Trips Everyone

PUT replaces. PATCH modifies. Here's the subtle but critical difference — and why it matters for testing.

patch vs puthttp patchhttp put
intermediate·9 min

RESTful Best Practices: Conventions That Make APIs Predictable

Fifteen conventions that make REST APIs a joy to use — and the absence of any one is a smell.

rest best practicesrest api designrestful conventions
beginner·8 min

What is GraphQL? A Practical Introduction for Testers

GraphQL lets the client decide what data to fetch. Here's how it works and when it beats REST.

what is graphqlgraphql explainedgraphql vs rest
intermediate·7 min

GraphQL Queries vs Mutations: When and How to Use Each

Queries read. Mutations change state. Here's the divide — and how to write both correctly.

graphql queriesgraphql mutationsgraphql variables
intermediate·9 min

GraphQL Testing Guide: Patterns, Pitfalls, and What REST Testers Miss

GraphQL tests fail in ways REST tests never do. Here's what to cover and why.

graphql testinggraphql contract testingn+1 query
beginner·8 min

What is SOAP? A Modern Tester's Guide to a Still-Alive Protocol

SOAP isn't dead — it runs banks, insurance, and government. Here's how it actually works.

what is soapsoap protocolsoap api
intermediate·7 min

WSDL Explained: The Contract Behind Every SOAP API

WSDL is the WSDL — Web Services Description Language. It's the source of truth for every SOAP API. Here's how to read it.

wsdlwsdl explainedweb services description language
intermediate·9 min

SOAP Testing Guide: Patterns That Actually Work in 2026

SOAP testing is different. XPath, XSDs, SOAP Faults. Here's how to do it without losing your weekends.

soap testingsoap api testingsoap test cases
intermediate·8 min

WebSockets Intro: Real-Time APIs and How to Test Them

WebSockets are persistent, full-duplex, and weirdly under-tested. Here's a practical guide.

websocketswebsocket apiwebsocket testing
intermediate·10 min

REST vs GraphQL vs SOAP: A Practical Side-by-Side for 2026

The same operation in three protocols. Pick the right one for the job — and test it right.

rest vs graphqlgraphql vs soaprest vs soap