In today’s Business Central development ecosystem, mastering tools to test APIs efficiently is essential.
With Postman, developers can easily create, run, and validate HTTP requests (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE). Now, thanks to the Postman extension for Visual Studio Code, it’s possible to integrate these tests directly into your development environment without switching applications.
Advantages of using Postman inside Visual Studio Code
The Postman + VS Code integration allows you to:
- Run and debug APIs without leaving the editor.
- Configure environment variables for different environments (production, sandbox, etc.).
- Work with OAuth 2.0 and keep credentials secure.
- Accelerate the development of integrations with the Business Central API.
This combination enhances productivity and improves the workflow of any technical team.
Methods to access Postman
Desktop application (Windows/Mac)
You can download and install Postman to start testing Business Central APIs from your computer: Download Postman | Get started for free
Web application
Ideal for those who prefer working from the browser without any additional installation.
Postman Extension for Visual Studio Code
The most recent and practical option. Released about a year ago, this extension allows you to test Business Central APIs directly from VS Code.
Below, you’ll find a step‑by‑step guide on how to install and configure it.
Installing the Postman extension in VS Code
- Open Visual Studio Code.
- Go to the Extensions section (Ctrl + Shift + X).
- Search for “Postman” in the marketplace.
- Select the official Postman extension and install it.
- Accept the publisher trust warning.
- Sign in with your Postman account.
Once completed, you can start testing your Business Central APIs without leaving the editor.
Prerequisites for testing Business Central APIs
To test APIs with authentication OAuth 2.0, make sure you have:
- A application registration in Azure Portal.
- The account registered in Business Central on the “Azure Active Directory Applications” page.
- The updated client credentials (client ID, secret, tenant).
These steps ensure a secure connection to your development environment.
Environment variable configuration in Postman
To avoid repeating data in every request, create a new environment in Postman (from VS Code or the web) and configure the key variables:
| Variable | Description |
|---|---|
| baseURL | Base URL of your Business Central instance |
| tenantID | Tenant ID in Azure AD |
| environment | Working environment (production, sandbox, etc.) |
| company_guid | GUID of the company on which you will perform CRUD operations |
With these variables configured, you’ll be able to send REST API requests quickly and in an organized way.
Example: GET request for companies
Once the environment is configured, send a GET request to retrieve the list of companies available in your Business Central instance:
GET {{baseURL}}/v2.0/{{tenantID}}/{{environment}}/api/v2.0/companies
If authentication and variables are correctly set up, you will receive a JSON response containing the company data.
Alternatives to Postman
If you prefer to explore other tools, consider:
- REST Client extension for VS Code
- PowerShell for API testing
- RapidAPI Client (also available as an extension)
Each option has its advantages, but Postman in VS Code stands out for its ease of use, active community, and direct support from Microsoft.
Conclusion
The extensión de Postman para Visual Studio Code simplifica enormemente las pruebas de API en Business Central, integrando todo el flujo de desarrollo en un único entorno.
In upcoming articles, we will explore how to perform full CRUD operations with the Business Central API using Postman.
Do you want to take your development further or automate your testing? Contact ABD Consulting and IT Solutions and discover how our experts can help you optimize your working environment and accelerate your digital transformation.
ABD: Your Partner in Digital Transformation
In ABD Consulting and IT Solutions, we help companies make the most of Microsoft tools —from Business Central to Azure and Microsoft 365— to optimize processes and scale their productivity.
With more than 30 years of experience, we offer comprehensive solutions in ERP, CRM, data analytics, and cloud security. Our team supports you from planning through implementation, ensuring measurable and long‑lasting results.
Trust ABD to boost your development with Postman, Visual Studio Code, and Business Central.