> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.does.qa/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.does.qa/test-steps/integration/post.md).

# POST

Send an API POST request with an optional body and store the response.

POST sends data to an HTTP endpoint and stores the response. Use it to create resources, log in through an API, or seed data before UI steps.

![POST Test Step](https://app.does.qa/screenshots/node/integration_api_post.png)

## When to use it

* Create a record the UI will open next.
* Exchange credentials for a token, then pass that token in Headers on later API steps.
* Assert the response with [Check JSON Value](/test-steps/check/check-json-value.md) using the same storage name.

See [Test APIs in a Flow](/guides/test-apis-in-a-flow.md) for a full example.

## Configure

### Basics

| Field                     | What to set                                                                                 |
| ------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **URL**                   | Fully qualified URL, or a [Value](/values/value-store.md) that expands to one               |
| **Body Content-Type**     | `JSON` (default), `JSON:API`, `XML`, `Plain Text`, `URL Encoded`, `Form Data`, or `No Body` |
| **Body**                  | Request body (editor matches Content-Type)                                                  |
| **Response Storage Name** | Name for the stored response (`response` by default)                                        |

### Advanced

| Field                              | What to set                                                               |
| ---------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Headers**                        | Request headers as JSON                                                   |
| **Expected Response Status Codes** | Defaults to `2xx`. Choose `201` or other codes when the API requires them |
| **Response Object**                | `Body` (default), `Headers`, or `Complete`                                |
| **Status on fail**                 | [Failed Status](/test-step-options/failed-status.md)                      |

{% hint style="info" %}
**Pro tip:** Keep API hosts and secrets in Assets Values or Recipe overwrites so the same Flow works across environments.
{% endhint %}

## Related

* [GET](/test-steps/integration/get.md)
* [PUT](/test-steps/integration/put.md)
* [PATCH](/test-steps/integration/patch.md)
* [DELETE](/test-steps/integration/delete.md)
* [Test APIs in a Flow](/guides/test-apis-in-a-flow.md)
* [Integration](/test-steps/integration.md)

**Tags:** `integration`, `api`, `post`, `rest`