Newman vs Swagger Inspector: What are the differences?

Key Differences between Newman and Swagger Inspector

Newman is a command-line collection runner for Postman while Swagger Inspector is a cloud-based API testing and documentation tool by SmartBear.

1. Cost: Newman is an open-source tool that comes at no cost, allowing users to execute Postman collections from the command line for free. On the other hand, Swagger Inspector offers free trial access, but it requires a paid subscription for extended usage and advanced features.

2. Testing Capabilities: Newman is primarily designed for executing API collections and running tests from the command line interface. It focuses more on functional testing and automation. In contrast, Swagger Inspector is a complete API testing solution that offers a wide range of testing capabilities, including functional, load, and security testing.

3. User Interface: Newman operates through the command line, making it more suitable for experienced users who prefer a text-based interface. Swagger Inspector, on the other hand, provides a user-friendly web interface that enables both technical and non-technical users to easily create and execute API tests without writing any code.

4. Test Result Visualization: Newman provides basic test result output in the command line interface, which can be customized to some extent. Swagger Inspector, on the other hand, offers detailed and visually appealing test result reports with comprehensive insights, including HTTP response codes, headers, and request and response bodies, making it easier to analyze and debug the API tests.

5. Integration with Development Workflow: Newman can be seamlessly integrated into the development workflow using tools like Postman, Git, and Jenkins, allowing for continuous integration and deployment. Swagger Inspector, in contrast, offers integrations with popular development tools and processes, such as Jenkins, Jira, and GitLab, enabling effective collaboration and automation.

6. API Documentation: While Newman focuses on API testing and automation, it lacks extensive documentation features. Swagger Inspector, being primarily an API testing and documentation tool, provides rich documentation capabilities, allowing users to generate interactive API documentation from their tests, making it easier for developers and consumers to understand and consume the APIs.

In summary, Newman is a command-line collection runner focused on executing Postman collections, while Swagger Inspector is a cloud-based API testing and documentation tool that offers a broader range of capabilities, including testing, documentation, and integrations, making it more suitable for comprehensive API testing and collaboration in development workflows.