How to redirect prebid API calls to staging server for testing?

When working with the Prebid API, ensuring everything functions correctly before going live is crucial. A smart strategy is to redirect Prebid API calls to a staging server, allowing you to test, debug, and refine your setup without risking any disruptions in your live environment. This approach ensures a smooth transition from testing to production.

Why Redirect API Calls?

Redirecting API calls to a staging server helps you:

• Test New Features: Make sure everything works before launching it live.
• Fix Bugs: Safely troubleshoot and solve issues.
• Optimize Performance: Fine-tune things to ensure a smooth user experience

What is Requestly?

Requestly is a handy browser extension that lets you modify network requests. Whether you need to redirect URLs, change headers, or mock responses, Requestly makes it easy to manage these tasks without much hassle

Setting Up Requestly

First, you need to install Requestly in your browser. Here’s how:

• Install Requestly: Go to the Requestly website, download the extension for your browser, and install it.
• Basic Configuration: Go to Requestly app and sign in or create an account. Get familiar with the interface, especially the Rules section where you’ll set up your redirects.

Creating a Redirect Rule in Requestly

Now, let’s set up a rule to redirect your Prebid API calls to a staging server.

Now, let’s set up a rule to redirect your Prebid API calls to a staging server.

1. Create a New Rule:
   • In the Requestly app, click on Http Rule and click New Rule.
   • Select Redirect Request . 
   • Give your rule a name, like Prebid API to Staging.
2. Set Up the Redirect:
   • In the URL Contains field, enter the URL pattern for your production API calls.
   • In the Redirect to field, put the URL of your staging server.
   • Save your rule .
3. Apply the Rule:
   • Make sure the rule is turned on.
   • Now, any matching API calls will be redirected to your staging server.

Testing Your Redirect​

After setting up the redirect, it’s important to test it to ensure it works properly.

Test URL Condition

Leverage the Test URL condition feature to confirm that the URLs you're targeting match the conditions set in your rule.

To access the Test URL Condition popup:

• Navigate to the rule
• Click on the Test URL Condition button.

This will open a popup where you can input a URL to see if it meets the conditions defined in your rule.

Test the Rule

Use the Test this rule feature to ensure your redirect rule functions as intended before deployment.

To use this feature:

• Select the rule you want to test.
• Click on the Test button.

• Enter the Url you want to test
• Click Test Rule 

This will help you verify that your rule behaves correctly with live data and make necessary adjustments before going live.

Advanced Features of Requestly​

Requestly offers some cool advanced features that can make your testing even better:

Modifying Query Parameters

Adjust query parameters in your API calls to simulate different scenarios.

Mocking API Responses

Test how your front-end handles different data by modifying API responses.

Delaying Network Requests

Simulate slow network conditions to test how your application performs.

Conclusion​

Redirecting API calls to a staging server using Requestly is a smart way to test and debug your application without risking your live environment. By following these steps, you can make sure your testing is safe, thorough, and effective.