Retrieve data from an API as part of your automated test
In many test scenarios, understanding what’s happening in the backend is just as important as validating the user interface. The Integration API GET step lets your test make an HTTP GET request to any API endpoint so you can fetch data, inspect responses, and use that information in subsequent parts of your flow.
This gives you a powerful way to validate backend state, confirm API responses, and use real data inside your automation without relying on manual setup outside the test.
Why API GET requests matter
REST APIs are the backbone of most modern applications. UI actions often trigger backend processes, and those processes expose data via GET endpoints. Validating that your system’s API returns the correct information helps catch issues that UI checks alone might miss.
Common reasons to use GET requests include:
Retrieve user profile data
Validate a resource was created or updated
Confirm configuration state
Fetch application settings or preferences
Inspect response data for consistency
Drive dynamic behaviour inside the test
By including API GET calls, your tests cover both surface behaviour and underlying system state.
How the step works
With Integration API GET, your test:
Defines the full API URL or relative endpoint
Includes any required headers (like authentication tokens)
Sends the GET request to the target service
Processes the response
Continues the flow with the retrieved data
The response can then be used within your test to:
Assert that values are what you expected
Store values for later use
Drive decisions in the flow
Compare UI state against backend data
This makes your automation more context aware and accurate.
Use dynamic values and stored data
The true power of this step comes when you combine it with DoesQA’s dynamic values and data store.
For example:
After creating a user via the UI, fetch that user’s profile
After triggering an action, confirm the event exists in backend logs
Retrieve status or progress for a REST resource
Use API response fields to drive subsequent assertions
The GET response can be parsed and stored as values your test can reference later.
Combine with other actions and assertions
API GET calls are often part of larger sequences such as:
UI action that triggers backend change
API GET to confirm the change
UI assertion to validate the same state
Continue with next steps
For example:
After submitting a form, use GET to confirm the entered data exists in the system
After triggering a purchase action, GET the order status
After changing feature flags via API, GET the config to confirm it propagated
This gives you confidence that both the UI and backend behave consistently.
Improve reliability and coverage
Using API GET requests in your tests helps reduce reliance on UI-only checks. UI behaviour can sometimes hide backend mismatches that only surface later. By pulling data directly from the API:
You reduce test fragility
You verify server state explicitly
You get deeper insight into system behaviour
You maintain test clarity and precision
This ensures your tests are robust, maintainable, and representative of real world conditions.