The author developed four API simulators for Proxmox VE, OpenStack, VMware, and oVirt to simplify testing infrastructure management tools. These simulators allow developers to perform full operational scenarios, such as creating, modifying, and deleting resources, without relying on shared testing labs.
Initial attempts using simple mock APIs were insufficient because they lacked state persistence. The author transitioned to a model-based architecture using PostgreSQL to maintain consistent resource states, enabling clients to track the lifecycle of virtual machines, networks, and background tasks.
Each simulator incorporates a contract-based approach by importing machine-readable API descriptions to register routes. However, the author emphasizes that automated route registration does not equate to functional logic; developers must manually implement the specific behavior and dependencies for each platform.
The project highlights that infrastructure platforms have distinct operational requirements, such as specific authentication flows in OpenStack or the mix of REST and SOAP in VMware. A successful simulator must account for these platform-specific nuances to ensure client compatibility.
