Step CI

What Step CI is

Step CI is an open-source framework for automating API tests for security, performance, and load testing. It is self-hosted, and its Open-Source plan is listed as free (billed $0/month). Teams can define workflows in YAML, JSON, or JavaScript to test REST, GraphQL, gRPC, SOAP, and other APIs. Workflows can chain requests using captured values and variables, and tests can use supplied data or generated mock data. Runs can execute in parallel on a local network and in CI/CD. The homepage lists integrations with Node.js, Docker, GitHub, GitLab, and Jest; documentation also names GitHub Actions, GitLab CI/CD, CircleCI, Jenkins, Azure Pipelines, and Bitbucket Pipelines. Workflow imports are available for OpenAPI, Postman, and Insomnia. The CLI collects anonymous usage data by default, with the STEPCI_DISABLE_ANALYTICS environment variable available to turn collection off. A separate Support Plan provides SLA-backed support, onboarding, training hours, prioritized feature requests and bug fixes, a monthly security report, and early access to new features. Its price is custom.

Who it suits

Step CI suits teams that want to define API tests as configurable workflows and run them locally or through CI/CD. It is relevant to teams testing REST, GraphQL, gRPC, SOAP, or other APIs.

Limits

The Open-Source plan supports parallel tests on a local network and in CI/CD. The Support Plan is billed at a custom price; it adds SLA-backed support, setup, training, and other support services.

Getting started

1. Open https://stepci.com/.
2. Set up Step CI as self-hosted software.
3. Choose the Open-Source plan at no cost or contact the maker about the custom Support Plan.
4. Create workflows in YAML, JSON, or JavaScript, or import one from OpenAPI, Postman, or Insomnia.
5. Run tests locally or in CI/CD; disable anonymous CLI collection with STEPCI_DISABLE_ANALYTICS if desired.

Verdict

Step CI combines flexible API workflows with local and CI/CD execution. Teams should note the default anonymous CLI analytics setting and that the separate support plan is custom-priced.