Learn how to use contract testing for external APIs in PHP with Pact using a real-world Laravel example.

CodeCraft Diary

Mocking external APIs only tests your assumptions, not the actual API behavior. Contract testing with Pact bridges this gap by defining a formal agreement between a consumer (your Laravel app) and a provider (the external API). A step-by-step Laravel example shows how to write consumer contract tests using Pact's InteractionBuilder, generate a Pact file, and verify it on the provider side via CLI or CI pipeline. The post also covers common mistakes like over-specifying responses, skipping error contracts, and not enforcing contracts in CI, plus guidance on when contract testing is worth the investment versus overkill.

Contract Testing External APIs in PHP with Pact (Real Laravel Example)

What Is Contract Testing (In Plain English)

Real-World Scenario: Laravel as API Consumer

Step-by-Step: Contract Testing with Pact in Laravel

When Contract Testing Is Worth It (and When It’s Overkill)

How Contract Testing Fits into Your Laravel Testing Strategy