Pact vs Soap UI: What are the differences?

Introduction

In this comparison, we will outline the key differences between Pact and Soap UI, two popular tools used in API testing.

1. Contract Testing vs Functional Testing: Pact is primarily used for contract testing, where consumers and providers of services agree on a contract that outlines the expected interactions between them. On the other hand, Soap UI is more focused on functional testing, validating the behavior of individual components or systems. Pact ensures that both parties adhere to their defined contract, promoting better communication and collaboration.

2. Protocol Support: Pact is designed specifically for RESTful APIs and supports HTTP and JSON protocols. In contrast, Soap UI is versatile in its protocol support, covering a wide range including REST, SOAP, HTTP, JMS, AMF, and JDBC. This makes Soap UI a comprehensive tool for testing various types of APIs with different protocols.

3. Open Source vs Commercial Tool: Pact is an open-source tool that promotes community-driven development and collaboration. Users can contribute to its improvement, and there is no cost associated with using Pact. Soap UI, on the other hand, offers both open-source and commercial versions, with additional features and support available in the commercial version. Depending on the requirements and budget, teams can choose between the two options.

4. Consumer-Driven Testing Approach: Pact follows a consumer-driven testing approach, where the consumer defines the expected interactions and behaviors upfront, allowing providers to build services that fulfill those expectations. This approach helps in detecting issues early in the development lifecycle and promotes a more efficient testing process. In contrast, Soap UI allows for both manual and automated testing, providing flexibility in testing approaches.

5. Tooling and Ecosystem: Pact offers a framework with support for various programming languages such as Java, .NET, Ruby, and more. It also has integrations with popular CI/CD tools like Jenkins, making it easier to incorporate into existing workflows. Soap UI, on the other hand, provides a user-friendly interface with features for API testing, mocking, and monitoring. It also integrates with other tools like JIRA and Git for better project management capabilities.

6. Community Support and Documentation: Pact has a growing community of users and contributors who actively participate in discussions, provide support, and contribute to the tool's development. The documentation for Pact is comprehensive, with detailed guides and examples to help users get started. Soap UI also has a strong community backing and extensive documentation, making it easier for users to learn and leverage the tool effectively.

In Summary, Pact focuses on contract testing for RESTful APIs with an open-source approach, while Soap UI offers a broader protocol support, functional testing capabilities, and both open-source and commercial versions.