Using Postman Interceptor for API Integration

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Postman is a powerful API development tool that helps developers streamline designing, testing, and managing APIs. Among its many features, Postman Interceptor is a handy integration tool enabling users to interact seamlessly with APIs from their web browsers. This article will explore using Postman Interceptor for effortless browser and API integration, ensuring a smooth and efficient development experience.

Refer to our Postman installation guide if you need help installing Postman.

Table of contents

• What is Postman Interceptor?
• Setting Up Postman Interceptor
• Using Postman Interceptor
• Use Cases for Postman Interceptor
• Conclusion

What is Postman Interceptor?

Postman Interceptor is a browser extension that works with the Postman desktop application. It allows developers to capture and send API requests directly from their web browsers to Postman. With this capability, developers can leverage Postman’s comprehensive API testing and documentation tools on web applications and APIs they browse.

Setting up Postman Interceptor

• Head to the web store of your preferred browser and search for Postman Interceptor. Install the extension to add it to your browser.

• Go to the Postman Desktop app, and on the footer, you can see Capture Requests, click on it. 

• Go to Via Interceptor and install the Interceptor Bridge.

• Top right of the interceptor extension, you can see CONNECTED.

Using Postman Interceptor

• Under the Save Request to a Collection, choose the collection in which you want to capture the requests. 

• Click on the Start Capture button. This will capture the requests in the Collection.

• On the bottom right, you can find a timer showing how much time has elapsed since the interceptor session was started. You can pause the requests using Pause and stop capturing the requests using Stop. 

• You can customize the Captures from the drop-down from the  Methods and URL under Configure incoming requests.

• After you stop the session, you can view the history of all the requests captured. 

Use Cases for Postman Interceptor

Postman Interceptor can be used in various scenarios to test and debug API requests. Some common use cases include:

• Testing API authentication: Intercept requests to add or modify authentication headers.
• Debugging API calls: Inspect and modify requests to troubleshoot issues.
• Mocking API responses: Intercept requests and return custom responses for testing purposes.
• Load testing: Modify requests to simulate different scenarios and analyze the server’s response.

Final thoughts on Postman Interceptor

Postman Interceptor offers a seamless way to integrate your web browser and API development workflow. You can use Postman’s extensive testing and documentation features without disrupting your web application development process by capturing and sending API requests directly from your browser to Postman. Whether you are a seasoned developer or just starting with API testing, using Postman Interceptor will enhance your productivity and efficiency.

Remember to keep your Postman application and browser extension up to date to access the latest features and improvements. Happy API testing!

This post is part of our comprehensive Postman Mini-Course.