How to Use Authorization Token in Postman
In today’s digital world, APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) play a crucial role in enabling different software applications to communicate with each other. To ensure secure access to these APIs, authorization tokens are often used. Postman, a popular API development tool, provides a seamless way to manage and use authorization tokens. In this article, we will guide you on how to use authorization tokens in Postman, making your API testing experience more efficient and secure.
Understanding Authorization Tokens
Authorization tokens, such as JWT (JSON Web Tokens) or OAuth tokens, are used to authenticate and authorize users or applications to access protected resources. These tokens contain information about the user or application, such as their identity, permissions, and expiration date. By including the authorization token in API requests, you can ensure that only authorized users or applications can access the requested resources.
Adding an Authorization Token in Postman
To use an authorization token in Postman, follow these steps:
1. Open Postman and navigate to the desired request.
2. Click on the “Authorization” tab located at the top of the request editor.
3. Select the appropriate authorization method from the dropdown menu. Common methods include “Bearer,” “OAuth 1.0,” and “OAuth 2.0.”
4. Enter the authorization token in the provided field. If you have multiple tokens, you can add them by clicking the “+” button.
5. Save the request and run it to test the API with the authorization token.
Configuring Authorization Tokens for Multiple Requests
If you need to use the same authorization token for multiple requests, you can create a Pre-request Script in Postman. This script allows you to store and reuse authorization tokens across different requests.
1. Click on the “Pre-request Script” tab located at the bottom of the request editor.
2. Enter the following code to store the authorization token in a variable:
“`javascript
const token = ‘YOUR_AUTHORIZATION_TOKEN’;
“`
3. Save the request and run it to ensure the token is stored correctly.
4. In the “Request Headers” section, add a new header with the key “Authorization” and the value “Bearer” followed by the stored token variable:
“`javascript
Authorization: Bearer ${token}
“`
Now, the authorization token will be automatically included in all subsequent requests for this request.
Updating Authorization Tokens
If your authorization token expires or you need to update it, you can do so by modifying the Pre-request Script. Update the stored token variable with the new authorization token and save the request. The updated token will be used in all subsequent requests.
Conclusion
Using authorization tokens in Postman is a straightforward process that enhances the security and efficiency of your API testing. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily manage and use authorization tokens in your Postman requests. Remember to keep your tokens secure and update them as needed to ensure the continued protection of your API resources.
