API Token Capture for Direct Calls in End-to-End Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
End-to-end test flows in web applications are time-consuming due to the inability to use direct API calls, as authentication tokens are inaccessible during development, especially when third-party identity providers are involved.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for storing a network log that includes an authentication token issued by an identity provider, enabling its use for direct API calls during end-to-end test flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If direct API calls are used in end-to-end test flows, then test execution time is reduced and productivity is improved, but authentication token accessibility becomes the limiting factor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary authentication actions during the test flow execution, capturing authentication tokens in advance through network log monitoring before they are needed for direct API calls. This allows the system to have authentication credentials ready beforehand, enabling subsequent direct API calls without waiting for browser-based authentication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (network log monitoring system) that captures and extracts authentication tokens from browser communications with the identity provider. This intermediary bridges the gap between browser-based authentication and direct API call requirements, making tokens accessible to the testing framework without direct browser interaction.
2Reliability
If full simulation of human behavior is performed in end-to-end tests, then comprehensive testing coverage is achieved, but test execution time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the testing process into two distinct parts: (1) browser-based authentication flow simulation that maintains human behavior realism, and (2) direct API calls that bypass browser simulation for operations where tokens are available. This segmentation allows comprehensive testing where needed while using faster direct calls for routine operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial human behavior simulation only where necessary (authentication flows, user interactions) while using direct API calls for other operations. This partial action approach maintains test reliability for critical paths while reducing overall execution time by avoiding unnecessary full simulation overhead.
3Reliability
If third-party identity providers are used for authentication, then secure cross-platform trust is established, but local storage of authentication tokens creates accessibility issues for direct API calls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of direct browser local storage access with a network-based monitoring and capture system. Instead of attempting to directly access tokens stored in browser local storage, the system substitutes this with network log monitoring that captures tokens during their transmission, making them accessible through a different mechanism that works with direct API calls.
Data Source
AI summary
As described herein, a system, method, and computer program are provided for direct API call authentication during an end-to-end test flow. During use of an end-to-end testing framework, a network log is stored that includes an authentication token issued by an identity provider. The authentication token is then used for making a direct API call during a test flow of the end-to-end testing framework.