What is API mock
API mock, or mock API, is a simulated version of an API that is used for testing and development purposes. It allows developers to test their applications or services without relying on a live API, and can be configured to return specific responses to incoming requests. This can be useful for testing the functionality of an application or service in different scenarios, and can help developers identify and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
API mock tools typically provide a way to create a mock version of an API, configure it to return specific responses to incoming requests, and simulate different scenarios and behaviors. This can include simulating error responses, latency, and other types of responses that may be difficult or impossible to reproduce with a live API.
API mock tools are commonly used in the development and testing of applications and services that rely on APIs, as they can save time and effort compared to testing with a live API. They can also be useful for testing the robustness and reliability of an application or service, and can help developers ensure that their applications or services are functioning correctly.
When we need mock API
There are several situations in which mock APIs can be useful:
- Testing: Mock APIs can be used to test the functionality of an application or service without relying on a live API. This can be useful for testing the robustness and reliability of an application or service, and can help developers identify and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
- Development: Mock APIs can be used to develop and test applications or services without having to wait for a live API to be available. This can be especially useful when the live API is not yet available, or when it is not feasible to use a live API for development or testing purposes.
- Simulation: Mock APIs can be used to simulate different scenarios and behaviors that may be difficult or impossible to reproduce with a live API. This can include simulating error responses, latency, and other types of responses that may be difficult or impossible to reproduce with a live API.
- Isolation: Mock APIs can be used to isolate an application or service under development from other systems, allowing developers to focus on the functionality of the application or service without being affected by external factors.
Overall, mock APIs can be useful in a variety of situations where it is necessary or desirable to test or develop an application or service without relying on a live API.
10 Top API Mock Tools
There are many different API mock tools on the market, each with its own set of features and capabilities. In this review, we will take a look at some of the top API mock tools, including their features, capabilities, and any relevant details such as supported platforms, pricing, and documentation.
Apidog
Apidog is a platform or tool that allows you to import an API definition and generate mock data for testing and development purposes. Its "Smart Mock" feature can generate mock data automatically based on the names of fields, allowing you to create realistic-looking mock data without having to manually specify the values for each field.
One of the benefits of using Apidog is that the mock data is generated automatically, and it changes each time the URL is requested. Apidog automatically generate user-friendly mock data based on your API specifications, and creates data that closely mimics real-world scenarios, covering a wide range of possible use cases.
Apidog is free to use, making it a good choice for developers who need a simple tool for testing and development purposes.
Postman
Postman is a popular tool for testing and interacting with APIs. Its "Mock Servers" feature allows you to set up a mock version of your API and configure it to return specific responses to incoming requests.
This can be useful for testing the functionality of your application or service without having to rely on a live API, and can help you identify and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. However, Postman may not provide as many tools for API design and mock server management as some other platforms, and may not be suitable for developers who need more advanced or customized mock server functionality.
Mocki
Mocki is an online tool for creating and hosting mock APIs. It allows you to set up a mock version of your API and configure it to return specific responses to incoming requests. mocki.io is relatively easy to use and has a wide range of features for mocking and simulating APIs, including support for importing and exporting mock configurations, generating random data for responses, and setting up conditional responses based on the contents of incoming requests.
One of the benefits of using Mocki is that it is a cloud-based tool, meaning that you can access and manage your mock APIs from anywhere with an internet connection. This can be especially useful for developers who need to collaborate with team members or clients remotely, as it allows everyone to access the mock APIs from their own devices.
Overall, Mocki can be a useful tool for testing and development purposes, particularly for developers who need a cloud-based solution for creating and managing mock APIs.
Mockoon
Mockoon is an open-source tool for creating and managing mock servers. It allows you to set up a mock version of your API and configure it to return specific responses to incoming requests.
Mockoon is relatively easy to use and has a wide range of features for mocking and simulating APIs, including support for importing and exporting mock configurations, generating random data for responses, and setting up conditional responses based on the contents of incoming requests.
Stoplight
Stoplight is a platform for designing, documenting, and testing APIs. Its "Mocks" feature allows you to create mock versions of your API for testing and development purposes. In addition to the mock feature, Stoplight also includes tools for API design, documentation, and testing, making it a comprehensive platform for API development.
However, Stoplight may be more complex to use and may require a subscription to access all of its features, making it less suitable for developers who are looking for a simple or free tool for testing and development purposes.
MockAPI
MockAPI is a tool for creating and hosting mock APIs. It allows you to set up a mock version of your API and configure it to return specific responses to incoming requests. mockAPI is relatively easy to use and has a wide range of features for mocking and simulating APIs, including support for importing and exporting mock configurations, generating random data for responses, and setting up conditional responses based on the contents of incoming requests.
One of the benefits of using MockAPI is that it is a cloud-based tool, meaning that you can access and manage your mock APIs from anywhere with an internet connection. This can be especially useful for developers who need to collaborate with team members or clients remotely, as it allows everyone to access the mock APIs from their own devices.
Overall, MockAPI can be a useful tool for testing and development purposes, particularly for developers who need a cloud-based solution for creating and managing mock APIs.
WireMock
WireMock is a Java-based library for stubbing and mocking web services. It is relatively simple to use and has a wide range of features for stubbing and mocking web services, including the ability to set up conditional responses based on incoming requests, simulate latency, and record and replay HTTP traffic.
This can be useful for testing the functionality of your application or service in different scenarios, and can help you identify and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. WireMock is open-source and available for free, making it a good choice for developers who need a simple tool for testing and development purposes. However, it may not be as easy to use for developers who are not familiar with Java, and may not provide as many features or customization options as some other tools.
Mountebank
Mountebank is a cross-platform tool for creating mock servers and stubbing HTTP APIs. It allows you to specify the behavior of your mock server using a simple configuration file, and can be used to simulate a variety of different scenarios, such as error responses and latency.
This can be useful for testing the robustness and reliability of your application or service, and can help you identify and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Mountebank is open-source and available for free, making it a good choice for developers who need a flexible tool for simulating different scenarios and behaviors. However, it may not be as easy to use for developers who are not familiar with its configuration file format, and may not provide as many features or customization options as some other tools.
Apigee
Apigee is a comprehensive platform for designing, building, and testing APIs. It includes a feature called "API mocking," which allows you to create a mock version of your API for testing and development purposes. In addition to the mock feature, Apigee also includes a wide range of tools for API development, including support for API design, documentation, testing, and deployment.
However, Apigee may be more complex to use and requires a subscription to access all of its features, making it less suitable for developers who are looking for a simple or free tool for testing and development purposes.
Hoverfly
Hoverfly is an open-source tool for mocking and simulating APIs. It is relatively easy to use and has a wide range of features for mocking and simulating APIs, including support for importing and exporting mock configurations, generating random data for responses, and setting up conditional responses based on the contents of incoming requests.
This can be useful for testing the functionality of your application or service in different scenarios, and can help you identify and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
Comparison
| Tool | Features | Pricing | Ease of use | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apidog | Smart Mock feature for generating mock data automatically based on field names; free to use | Free | Easy | Web-based |
| Postman | Mock Servers feature for setting up a mock version of an API and configuring it to return specific responses to incoming requests; support for API design, documentation, and testing | Free | Easy | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| WireMock | Support for setting up conditional responses based on incoming requests, simulating latency, and recording and replaying HTTP traffic; open-source and free to use | Free | Moderate | Java |
| Mountebank | Support for specifying the behavior of a mock server using a configuration file; open-source and free to use | Free | Moderate | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Apigee | API mocking feature for creating a mock version of an API; support for API design, documentation, testing, and deployment; subscription required for access to all features | Subscription | Moderate | Web-based |
| Hoverfly | Support for importing and exporting mock configurations, generating random data for responses, and setting up conditional responses based on incoming requests; open-source and free to use | Free | Moderate | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Stoplight | Mocks feature for creating mock versions of an API; support for API design, documentation, and testing; subscription required for access to all features | Subscription | Moderate | Web-based |
| Mockoon | Support for importing and exporting mock configurations, generating random data for responses, and setting up conditional responses based on incoming requests; open-source and free to use | Free | Easy | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Mocki | Support for importing and exporting mock configurations, generating random data for responses, and setting up conditional responses based on incoming requests; cloud-based | Free | Easy | Web-based |
| mockAPI | Support for importing and exporting mock configurations, generating random data for responses, and setting up conditional responses based on incoming requests; cloud-based | Free | Easy | Web-based |
Top comments (17)
I suggest adding beeceptor.com/. It's gives a named endpoint, unlike other tools, and this is easy to setup. I tried others, but Beeceptor is a straightforward tool doing a justice to mock APIs and service virtualization domain.
you can check out Fakend.fyi - a free mock API tool that allows you to design a complex payload, like how it's in the real world.
Most of the tools mentioned are good, and one of them is an industry leader. However, they lack easy setup and toggle of responses. For instance, most of them will require you to set up a rule-based system to return a different set of responses, or they will ask you to replace the payload.
As a front-end developer, I don't want this much complexity. I only want to test my UI with a different set of responses. No replacement for the response or setting up of complex rules, but a simple toggle from the list of responses. That's exactly what Rapidmock provides. A Mock API tool tailored specifically for frontend devs. And the best part, it's free to use. No Credit card or rate limits to hinder the onboarding or development.
RapidMock: rapidmock.com/
Another reason for a mock API is cost (if going with a free one). Some APIs you are limited to a set amount of queries based on your paid plan. I use a mock one to not use up all my queries during testing.
Hi guys, you can try DevApiService. I discover it a few week ago and I'm delighted because this online tool has a lot of functions that I need. Some of them are: mock API, fake API, sort the results of the API, pagination, token authentication, share APIs with other users, etc.
This is a great list of tools for API mocking! Another option worth considering is Requestly. It offers a similar set of functionalities as the tools listed here, but with the added benefit of being able to serve mock responses locally without needing to modify hostnames within your application code. This can be a significant time-saver, especially during the development process when you're frequently iterating on your application and its interactions with APIs.
ok thanks also damn i really needed this becasue i am makeing somethnig so thanks
I'll add to the list: mockaroo
you can check out Fakend.fyi - a free mock API tool that allows you to design a complex payload, like how it's in the real world.
you can check out Fakend.fyi - a free mock API tool that allows you to design a complex payload, like how it's in the real world.
Very relevant information...
UI&UX Design Company in Bangalore
Good information, thanks! I like this one too: mock-server.com/
The proxy feature is awesome.
you can check out Fakend.fyi - a free mock API tool that allows you to design a complex payload, like how it's in the real world.