Building Mock Data Services with RAW

Mock data services are simulated APIs that mimic the behavior of real data services. They are used extensively in software development for testing, validation, and simulation purposes. By using mock services, developers can simulate various scenarios and data responses without relying on live or production databases. This approach not only saves time but also reduces the risk of disrupting actual data.

The RAW platform can help developers build high-quality mock data services. The platform’s versatility lies in its ability to handle different data sources and formats, ranging from hardcoded data to complex database integrations.

Creating mock data APIs in RAW

The RAW platform allows you to quickly create and host APIs that serve data. This data can be hardcoded in the code definition, or read in real-time from various data sources, such as files, data lakes, or databases. Let's see each of these cases in turns.

• Creating mock APIs using hardcoded data: For simpler or more static data requirements, creating mock APIs from hardcoded data is an effective approach. This method involves defining fixed data within the API source code, which is useful for scenarios where the data response is predictable or doesn’t need to change frequently.
• Creating mock APIs from data stored in files: Developers can also create APIs that read data from CSV, JSON or XML files no matter where these are stored - Dropbox, S3, etc. This method is ideal for simulating scenarios with structured data, like datasets in data analysis or machine learning. RAW allows you to filter and process this data efficiently, offering rich and functional API endpoints.
• Creating mock APIs from data stored in databases: Connecting to databases is another powerful feature. Developers can set up APIs to interact with test databases, fetching and manipulating data in real-time with ease. This approach is perfect for applications requiring dynamic data interaction, ensuring that mock APIs closely mirror the behavior of actual production databases.

In each case, RAW uses the Snapi language, offering a low-code environment that balances simplicity and power. This flexibility allows developers to focus on the logic and functionality of their APIs, regardless of the data source, ensuring that the mock services are robust, reliable, and closely aligned with development needs.

Beyond mock APIs!

RAW is a comprehensive platform and it’s worth noting its other main features:

• Low-Code API Development: RAW uses Snapi, a low-code, data-oriented language. This language empowers developers to quickly assemble services, joining and transforming multiple data sources in real-time.
• Comprehensive API Management: The platform offers a full suite of tools for managing APIs, including usage policy enforcement, access control, and performance monitoring. This suite ensures that APIs are not only functional but also secure and efficient.
• Built-In CI/CD for DataOps: RAW optionally integrates directly with GitHub repositories, providing a seamless CI/CD pipeline, where APIs are served directly from definitions stored in GitHub repos. This integration is vital for teams focusing on continuous integration and deployment.
• Extensive Data Connectors: The platform supports a wide array of databases, data formats, and data lakes, showcasing its adaptability to various data environments.
• Robust Security Framework: Security is a cornerstone of RAW, with comprehensive user and API key management systems in place, ensuring that data remains secure and reliable.

Next Steps

Mock data services created through RAW can significantly speed up the development process. They allow for thorough testing of applications under various scenarios, ensuring robustness and reliability. This process is crucial in identifying potential issues early in the development cycle, thereby reducing costs and deployment timelines.

Want to learn more?

• Read technical documentation on how to build mock APIs by example. For instance, here’s how to create a mock API from hardcoded data, or from a CSV file, or from a database.
• Or, sign up now to get started for free!