just-api
Just-API is a declarative test framework for REST and GraphQL APIs that lets you write tests in YAML without coding. It validates responses against status codes, headers, JSON schemas, and custom logic, with support for complex chained workflows and parallel test execution.
Key facts
Objective fields from the source. Values we can't verify are shown as “Unknown” rather than guessed.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Repository | kiranz/just-api |
| Owner | kiranz |
| Primary language | JavaScript |
| License | MIT — OSI-approved |
| Stars | 814 |
| Forks | 36 |
| Open issues | 19 |
| Latest release | v1.2.5 (2019-08-24) |
| Last updated | 2026-02-12 |
| Source | https://github.com/kiranz/just-api |
What just-api is
Node.js-based test automation framework using YAML specifications to define REST/GraphQL requests and response validations. Supports hooks, custom validators via inline/module JavaScript, request chaining, parallel/serial execution, and multiple report formats (HTML, JSON).
Get the just-api source
Clone the repository and explore it locally.
git clone https://github.com/kiranz/just-api.gitcd just-api# follow the project's README for install & configurationNeed it deployed, integrated, or customized instead? DEV.co ships production installs.
Best use cases
Implementation considerations
- Requires Node.js v10.x or newer; v12.x has reported gulp compatibility issues during development—verify environment compatibility.
- Tests are written in YAML; teams must learn YAML syntax and Just-API-specific structure for specs; JavaScript knowledge needed only for custom validators.
- Custom validators use inline async/sync JavaScript functions or external modules; escape/serialization of code in YAML can be error-prone.
- Test dependencies and chaining are managed via hook functions and test context; complex workflows may become difficult to debug without clear execution logs.
- Reports generated in HTML/JSON; no built-in integration with popular CI systems—requires scripting to publish results.
When to avoid it — and what to weigh
- Heavy load/performance testing — Just-API is designed for functional API testing, not load or stress testing; use specialized tools (k6, JMeter) for performance benchmarks.
- Teams requiring active commercial support — Single-maintainer project with no formal SLA; community support via Gitter/Google Groups only. Requires internal expertise for production troubleshooting.
- Complex authentication schemes — No explicit mention of OAuth2, JWT, or SAML support; custom validator functions required for advanced auth flows may be cumbersome.
- Projects requiring frequent updates — Latest release v1.2.5 from August 2019 (6+ years old); while repo shows recent activity, long gaps between releases suggest low change velocity.
License & commercial use
MIT License (MIT License identifier). Permissive OSI-approved license allows use, modification, and distribution for commercial and non-commercial purposes with minimal restrictions.
MIT license permits commercial use. However, no formal indemnity, warranty, or support guarantees provided by the project maintainer. Commercial teams should conduct internal legal review and ensure coverage under their own support/maintenance plans.
DEV.co evaluation signals
Editorial assessment — not user reviews. Directional, with an explicit confidence level.
| Signal | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | Stale |
| Documentation | Adequate |
| License clarity | Clear |
| Deployment complexity | Low |
| DEV.co fit | Good |
| Assessment confidence | Medium |
YAML test files may contain hardcoded credentials or API keys; no built-in support for external secrets injection documented. Custom validators execute arbitrary JavaScript—ensure test suites are reviewed before use. Request/response logging in HTML reports may expose sensitive data (headers, cookies, auth tokens).
Alternatives to consider
Postman/Newman
Mature, widely-used API testing platform with GUI and CLI; better commercial support and integrations; larger community; more frequent updates.
Insomnia
Modern REST/GraphQL client with declarative testing capabilities; active development; similar YAML-like workflow without custom code; better UX.
REST Assured (Java) / Supertest (Node.js)
Code-first approach if team prefers programmatic test definition; stronger IDE support; better for complex assertions and debugging.
Build on just-api with DEV.co software developers
Just-API offers low-friction API testing via YAML specifications, ideal for teams avoiding boilerplate test code. Consider maintenance status (6-year gap in releases) and lack of commercial support before production adoption. Assess alternatives (Postman, Insomnia) for your team's support and integration requirements.
Talk to DEV.coRelated on DEV.co
Explore the category and the services that help you build with it.
just-api FAQ
Can I run tests in parallel?
Do I need to write code to use Just-API?
Is there Docker support?
How are secrets/credentials managed?
Software developers & web developers for hire
DEV.co is a software development agency delivering custom software development services to companies building on open source. Our software developers and web developers design, integrate, and ship production systems — spanning web development, APIs, AI, data, and cloud. If just-api is part of your open-source testing roadmap, our team can implement, customize, migrate, and maintain it.
Evaluate Just-API for Your API Testing Needs
Just-API offers low-friction API testing via YAML specifications, ideal for teams avoiding boilerplate test code. Consider maintenance status (6-year gap in releases) and lack of commercial support before production adoption. Assess alternatives (Postman, Insomnia) for your team's support and integration requirements.