When sending a request with Postman, we can parse a value from the response and save it into a global variable or environment variable. This is useful when we need to use a value obtained from one request in other requests; for example, when we obtain an access token that needs to be included as the authorization header in other requests.
To keep the examples simple, I used REQ|RES (a mock REST API) for my requests and responses.
Parse response value into a global variable
Global variables are available across all Postman environments.
In this example, we want to save a token returned by a login request.
![postman-login-request - sending a request to the auth endpoint to get the auth token](https://cdn-0.makolyte.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/postman-variables-login-request.png)
To parse the value of the “token” field into a global variable called “oauth_token”, click on the Tests tab and add the following JavaScript code:
const jsonResponse = pm.response.json();
pm.globals.set("oauth_token", jsonResponse.token);
Code language: JavaScript (javascript)
![postman-login-request-tests-tab - saving the token from the response into the oauth_token global variable](https://cdn-0.makolyte.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/postman-variables-login-request-tests-tab.png)
The next time you execute the request, the token is saved into the “oauth_token” global variable.
To access the variable value, enter {{oauth_token}}. For example, in the following request we use the “oauth_token” variable in the authorization header.
![postman-user-request-headers - using the oauth_token global variable that was saved from the response](https://cdn-0.makolyte.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/postman-variables-user-request-headers.png)
Parse response value into an environment variable
Environment variables are only available in the environment you specify. Parsing a value into an environment variable is very similar to parsing a value into a global variable, which we explained above.
To parse the value of the “token” field into an environment variable called “oauth_token”, in the currently selected environment, click on the Tests tab and add the following JavaScript code:
const jsonResponse = pm.response.json();
pm.environment.set("oauth_token", jsonResponse.token);
Code language: JavaScript (javascript)
![postman-env-variable-tests-tab - saving the token from the response into the oauth_token environment variable](https://cdn-0.makolyte.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/postman-env-variables-login-request-tests-tab.png)
Note: If you use the same name for an environment variable and a global variable, the environment variable takes precedence.
The next time you execute the request, the token is saved into a variable called “oauth_token” in the environment you have selected (“Development” in our case).
To see an environment variables and their values, click on the eye icon next to the environment name.
![postman-dev-environment-variables](https://cdn-0.makolyte.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/postman-dev-environment-variables.png)
To access the variable value, enter {{oauth_token}}. For example, in the following request we use the “oauth_token” variable in the authorization header. You must select the correct environment (“Development” in our case) in order to access the variable value.
![Postman - setting the Authorization header to the oauth_token environment variable](https://cdn-0.makolyte.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/postman-env-variables-user-request-headers.png)
Simple and what i needed. Thank u r a life saver.
I’m glad this helped!
In insomnia it’s much easier
Interesting. I haven’t used that before.
Excellent, very helpful. Thanks 🙂
Perfect solution 🙂
Thanx