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API testing is a type of software testing that involves testing application programming interfaces (APIs) directly and as part of integration testing. It focuses on the functionality, reliability, performance, and security of APIs. API testing is typically performed at the backend of a system, using tools and frameworks designed specifically for API testing. These tools allow testers to create requests, send them to the API endpoint, and then analyze the response. This process helps ensure that the API returns the expected output for each input, handles errors gracefully, and performs well under load. API tests can be automated and integrated into a continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipeline, allowing teams to catch issues early and release high-quality software faster. In addition to functional testing, API testing can also include security testing, such as checking for SQL injection or cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, as well as performance testing, such as measuring response times and throughput. Overall, API testing is a critical part of modern software development, ensuring that APIs are reliable, secure, and performant, enabling seamless integration with other systems and services.