What’s the Fastest Way to Prototype an API Integration?

You know the drill. Someone asks, “Can you whip up a quick API integration?”

You think: Sure, give me a few hours, Postman, some curl commands, a mock server, maybe a few tears...

But if you’re still prototyping integrations the slow, manual way, I’ve got good news—you don’t have to anymore.

Lately, I’ve been using a combo of apiexplorer.io and Martini to build fully working API integrations in minutes, not hours. And yes, it’s real code (where needed), real automation, and zero boilerplate.

Let me show you how.

Step 1: Start with apiexplorer.io

If you’ve ever had to mock up business APIs from scratch just to get a test flow working, you’ll love this.

apiexplorer.io gives you a full suite of production-style APIs—CRM, Billing, HR, Inventory, etc.—with:

• RESTful interfaces
• OpenAPI docs
• Live testing via the API Explorer
• Instant API key (no weird signup hoops)
• Postman collections and even UI demos

Perfect for prototyping workflows without touching fragile live systems.

Step 2: Drop the OpenAPI into Martini

Martini is a low-code platform, but not the kind that makes devs cringe. You can:

• Paste in OpenAPI specs or Postman collections
• Auto-generate API connectors
• Test requests right inside the IDE
• Drop those services into actual workflows
• Use visual builders or write code in Java/Groovy when needed

You’re not stuck in drag-and-drop land—you’re just skipping the boilerplate and jumping to the part where things work.

Step 3: Build the Flow, Wire It Up, Ship It

After importing the APIs, I build out a workflow visually in Martini:

1. Hit the CRM API
2. Pull customer data
3. Trigger a billing event
4. Log it, notify someone, or call another system

You can add logic, branches, retries, error handlers—the works. And once it’s running, publish it as an API endpoint or call it from another service. Done.

Bonus: Mock APIs Without the Headache

Need to simulate an external service? Martini lets you create mock APIs on the fly, so you’re not blocked by unfinished backends or flaky sandbox environments.

Switch the mock for the real thing later—no rewrites, no drama.

Final Thoughts

Fast API prototyping doesn’t mean cutting corners. It means skipping the setup grind and focusing on logic.

With apiexplorer.io + Martini, you get:

• 🔌 Realistic APIs you can test instantly
• ⚙️ A full workflow engine with visual + code modes
• 🔄 Reusable services and clean integrations
• 🧰 Tools made for developers, not just “citizen users”

No more digging through SDKs, building from scratch, or explaining to stakeholders why your “quick demo” needs two days of prep.

TL;DR

• Want to build API clients without the mess?
• Use apiexplorer.io + Martini
• Build the workflow, test it live, and deploy—all in under an hour.

Try it. Break less. Ship more. 🧪⚡

Got questions or want to share what you’re building? Hit me up in the Lonti Community or drop a comment below. 👇

Original source: What’s the Fastest Way to Prototype an API Integration?