Configure the Test Data

Once the API endpoint is configured, the next step is to add the test data that will be used during API test automation execution.

In BusStop, test data is organized as reusable datasets.You can keep all scenarios in one file or split them into multiple focused datasets.

For example:

• Empty field test data
• Invalid name test data
• Invalid date test data
• Boundary value test data
• Positive test data
• Regression test data

This makes it easier to execute only the required scenarios during testing cycles.

Option 1: Upload Test Data Using CSV

This is the recommended starting point for first-time users because it helps you understand how BusStop structures API test cases.

1. Click on Upload Test Data

BusStop opens a popup to guide you through the upload process.

2. Download the CSV Template

Each API endpoint has its own customized template.

The template is automatically generated based on:

• Enpoint URL,
• API request headers, and
• API request body

This removes the need to manually create columns.

3. Add Your Test Data

Fill the CSV file with your test cases.

Important:

• Each row represents one API test case
• if you add 5 rows = 5 executable test cases
• You can mix positive and negative scenarios in the same file

Example scenarios:

• Valid request
• Empty values
• Invalid formats
• Incorrect data types
• Boundary values

4. Add Expected Responses (Optional)

You can define the expected API response directly in the CSV.

BusStop uses this data later during execution to automatically verify the response.

If you do not have the expected response ready yet, you can leave it blank and configure it later.

5. Upload the File

Upload the completed CSV and click Submit.

BusStop automatically converts the rows into executable API test cases.

6. View Your Uploaded Test Data

The uploaded datasets become available inside the Test Data section.

You can access the data from setting (3-dot menu) -> View test data, and update the test data from setting -> Managa test data.

This allows testers to quickly review, update, or reuse datasets during regression cycles.

Option 2: Generate Test Data Using AI

BusStop can also generate API test data automatically using AI. This helps teams create broader coverage faster, especially during regression preparation or exploratory testing.

However, it is recommended to try a manual CSV upload first. It gives a better understanding of how the system structures test cases and validations.

1. Click on 'AI data' button

BusStop opens a popup showing the available generation options.

2. Choose the type of test data set. By default all are selected.

You can generate different categories of API test data depending on your testing needs.

A. Empty Test Data

Creates scenarios where request body attributes are intentionally left blank or empty.

Useful for:

• Mandatory field validation
• Negative testing
• Error handling verification

B. Attribute-wise Test Data

BusStop generates positive and negative scenarios for individual attributes.

Example: If the request body contains:

• amount
• name

The system creates 2 datasets such as:

• Valid amount + invalid amount
• Valid name + invalid name

This helps testers quickly cover field-level validation scenarios.

C. Custom Test Data

This option gives more control over the generated data.

BusStop automatically detects the data type of each attribute. Click on the ‘settings’ and BusStop will show you the automatically detected configurations.

You can modify the detected types before generation.

Example:

• String
• Number
• Date
• Boolean
• Email

Based on the selected configuration, BusStop generates a combined dataset containing:

• Positive test cases
• Negative test cases
• Validation-focused scenarios

3. Generate the Test Data

Click on Generate Data with AI.

BusStop creates the datasets automatically and adds them to the Test Data Set section.

The generated data can then be:

• Reviewed
• Edited
• Reused
• Executed during regression cycles

Why This Matters

Most API testing delays happen because testers repeatedly create or reuse test data manually.

BusStop reduces that effort by helping teams:

• Organize regression datasets
• Reuse scenarios easily
• Generate negative test cases faster
• Improve API coverage
• Prepare regression runs quickly

Instead of repeatedly preparing inputs, testers can focus more on validating workflows and identifying issues.