If you're a frequent Postman user for API testing, you might have encountered the collection run limit. After running more than 25 collections in the free plan, Postman prompts you with a message: "You have exhausted all the runs. To keep running collections, create an account..." This can disrupt your workflow, especially if you're managing a large project or working within a team.
Fortunately, there are ways to bypass this limitation and continue running your collections smoothly. This article will explore effective methods to surpass Postman’s collection limits and keep your API testing uninterrupted.
Understanding Postman Collections
A Postman Collection is a set of API requests that can be saved and shared with others. It helps developers organize, document, and automate their API testing workflows efficiently. Postman Collections can include requests, tests, and scripts, making it easier to share API workflows with team members.
Postman Collection Limits
The Postman Collection Run limit restricts how often you can execute a collection in a given time frame. This limit is in place to prevent misuse and ensure service stability. As of February 15, 2023, Postman users on free and basic plans are limited to 25 collection runs per month. Professional plan users have 250 runs per month, while Enterprise plan users have unlimited runs.
How to Overcome Postman Collection Runner Restrictions？
The recent changes to Postman’s pricing plans have frustrated many users, especially those affected by the local run limit. Some users advocate for Postman to revise these changes, while others are exploring alternatives like Apidog, which offers more flexibility with no run restrictions.
Apidog provides a powerful testing framework, real-time feedback, comprehensive test reports, and seamless integration with other testing tools. It allows developers to create, test, and manage APIs without limitations, resulting in a more efficient development process.
Method 1: Import Postman Collections into Apidog (Free & Recommended)
Beyond bypassing Postman's Collection Runner limits, Apidog offers advanced API testing features, including test scenarios, which are similar to Postman’s collection runners. This functionality allows you to organize API requests, share them, and generate detailed reports for improved analysis and collaboration.
A key advantage of Apidog is its robust support for Continuous Integration (CI). With flexible CI integrations, developers can seamlessly incorporate automated API testing into their development pipelines, enabling efficient regression testing throughout the lifecycle from commit to deployment.
Quick Guide to Importing Postman Collections into Apidog:
Step 1: Export Your Postman Collection
Export your collection by selecting it in Postman and clicking "Export." Choose the "Collection v2.1" format to ensure all requests, directories, and environment details are included.
Step 2: Import Collection in Apidog
Log in to Apidog, navigate to the "Settings" menu, and select "Import." Choose "Postman," upload the exported file, and click “Confirm” to view and manage your APIs in Apidog.
Step 3: Create Test Scenarios
On the "Testing" page, click the "+" button to create a new test scenario. Set details like priority, test scenario name, and folder.
Step 4: Import from API Cases
Develop comprehensive test cases with defined steps, inputs, expected outputs, and preconditions. Validate these cases to cover critical functions per test scenario objectives.
Step 5: Run the Test Scenario
Execute the test cases, track results, and document any issues. Apidog's features allow you to collaborate, simulate API requests, and troubleshoot for faster development.
Other Ways to Fix Postman Collection Run Limits
Method 2: Upgrade to a Paid Plan
If cost-effectiveness isn't a concern, upgrading to a paid Postman plan can increase your collection run limits and provide access to advanced features.
Method 3: Archive Old Collections
Free up space for new collections by archiving older, inactive ones.
Method 4: Use the Postman API
Run collections programmatically using the Postman API for more efficient execution.
Method 5: Optimize Your Collections
Streamline your collections by removing unnecessary requests and ensuring tests are accurate and efficient.
Conclusion
Postman's Collection Runner limits can be challenging for developers who need unrestricted access to test APIs. Several methods exist to overcome these limitations, but Apidog provides one of the most effective and user-friendly solutions. By using Apidog, developers can create, test, and manage APIs without constraints, streamlining the development process for a better testing experience.
Top comments (1)
You could also just write an article about APIDog without using Postman in the title. This seems to be a common pattern.
If you want to explain how good that tool is, do that and make it interesting enough that you don't need to use another tool as a jumping off point.
There are also a number of another different methods to run a Collection without the Runner.