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mfoster711's avatar
mfoster711
Regular Contributor
1 month ago

Does anybody use Test Engine Rest API

I am talking specific about this: Test Engine REST API | TestComplete Documentation

I was exploring the idea of using the Test Engine REST API to run all of our desktop testing. I would code everything in VS Code and make API calls to perform all of the needed testcomplete actions. 

But, I am guessing this is a feature that is not used by many. I also imagine that I would get limited support from Smartbear regarding any questions or issues using it due to it not being commonly used. So, before I invest a ton of time and resources into using this option I wanted to know if this is used by others and what your experience has been.

2 Replies

  • Hassan_Ballan's avatar
    Hassan_Ballan
    Icon for Champion Level 3 rankChampion Level 3
    1 month ago

    TestComplete is primarily a UI automation/testing tool, and most of the community uses it that way. While the Test Engine REST API does exist and can trigger TestComplete test runs, it’s generally not the mainstream approach for controlling and developing tests.

    A few points to consider:

    • The REST API is mainly intended for orchestration (for example, CI/CD integration), not as a full-featured automation development interface.
    • Building and maintaining all test logic outside of TestComplete (e.g., in VS Code) and driving it exclusively via the REST API often adds unnecessary complexity and runs against how the tool is designed to be used.
    • For API testing, SmartBear provides purpose-built tools like ReadyAPI and SoapUI, which are better suited than TestComplete’s REST API for that kind of work.
    • If your focus is desktop/UI automation, TestComplete works best when used natively, with the REST API layered on only where orchestration is needed.

    Bottom line: the Test Engine REST API can be useful, but it’s rarely used as the primary way to build tests. For API-centric testing, a dedicated SmartBear API testing tool will be a better fit.

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  • rraghvani's avatar
    rraghvani
    Icon for Champion Level 3 rankChampion Level 3
    1 month ago

    I'm not sure about Test Engine REST API - I didn't realise it can access applications running on the computer and simulate user actions. My understanding is that REST APIs are generally used for sending requests to and receiving responses from a web server. Concepts of Test Engine REST API are good!

    From what I've read about the Test Engine REST API, I prefer to use TestComplete, as it gives me more control. However, I'm also unsure how stable the Test Engine REST API is. I agree that support may be limited, and it's something SmartBear hasn't advertised much.