Founded
N/A
Starting Price
Free
Category
Testing & QA
Last updated March 14, 2026
About Step CI
Step CI is an open-source API testing framework that enables developers to test REST, GraphQL, gRPC, tRPC, and SOAP APIs using simple YAML, JSON, or JavaScript configuration. It supports multi-step testing with chained requests using captures and variables, data-driven testing with mock data generation, and parallel test execution for performance. Step CI integrates into CI/CD pipelines via GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Docker, and Node.js, making it easy to automate API quality assurance as part of your deployment workflow. The framework is lightweight, secure (runs on your local network), and designed for developers who want API testing without the complexity of enterprise testing suites.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free and open-source forever
- Supports 5 API protocols out of the box
- Simple YAML config — no complex test scripts
- Native CI/CD integration (GitHub, GitLab, Docker)
- Lightweight and fast execution
Cons
Key Features
Multi-Protocol Support
Test REST, GraphQL, gRPC, tRPC, and SOAP APIs with a single unified framework
YAML/JSON Configuration
Define tests using simple YAML or JSON files — no complex test scripts or programming required
Multi-Step Testing
Chain requests together using captures and variables for complex API workflow testing
Data-Driven Testing
Generate mock data and run parameterized tests for comprehensive API coverage
CI/CD Integration
Native integration with GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Docker, and Node.js for automated testing pipelines
Parallel Execution
Run tests in parallel for faster execution and performance testing of API endpoints
Pricing
Most Popular
Open Source
Free
- Full testing framework
- CLI tool
- CI/CD integration
- All protocol support
Best For
API Regression Testing
Automatically test API endpoints on every deployment to catch breaking changes before they reach production
Multi-Service Integration Testing
Chain requests across microservices to validate end-to-end API workflows and data consistency
CI/CD Pipeline Quality Gate
Add API tests as a required step in your CI/CD pipeline to prevent faulty deployments
GraphQL & gRPC Testing
Test modern API protocols like GraphQL and gRPC alongside traditional REST APIs in a unified framework
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Best for CI/CD-native API testing. If you want automated API quality gates with minimal overhead and maximum Git-friendliness, Step CI's YAML-first approach is the leanest path.
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Best free option for adding API contract testing to your CI pipeline — Step CI prevents the most common class of integration bugs from ever reaching production.
