Nirikshak: A Clustering Based Autonomous API Testing Framework

TL;DR

Nirikshak is an open-source, autonomous API testing framework that uses clustering to categorize test cases, reducing manual effort and improving adaptability to software updates.

Contribution

It introduces a self-reliant testing approach employing clustering and log analysis to enhance API testing efficiency and adaptability.

Findings

Reduces manual scripting in API testing

Improves test case categorization and management

Enhances adaptability to software updates

Abstract

Quality Assurance (QA) is a critical component in product development, particularly in software testing. Despite the evolution of automated methods, testing for REST APIs often involves repetitive tasks. A significant portion of resources is dedicated more to scripting tests than to detecting and resolving actual software bugs. Additionally, conventional testing methods frequently struggle to adapt to software updates. However, with advancements in data science, a new paradigm is emerging: a self-reliant testing framework. This innovative approach minimizes the need for user intervention, achieving level 2 of autonomy in executing REST API testing procedures. It does so by employing a clustering method and analysis on logs categorizing test cases efficiently and thereby streamlining the testing process as well as ensuring more dynamic adaptability to software changes. Nirikshak is publicly available as an open-source software for the community at https://github.com/yashmahalwal/nirikshak.