API and Automation Support

Modern security testing requires automation, making API support crucial. ZAP provides a comprehensive REST API available in all installations. The API enables full control over ZAP's functionality—starting scans, retrieving results, managing sessions, and generating reports. Multiple language bindings simplify integration. ZAP's headless mode operates without GUI overhead, ideal for CI/CD integration.

Burp Suite Professional includes a REST API for automation, but the Community edition lacks API access entirely. This limitation prevents automation workflows crucial for DevSecOps integration. Even with Professional edition, the API provides less comprehensive control than ZAP's implementation. Enterprise edition offers additional automation features but at significant cost increases.

CI/CD integration patterns highlight practical differences. ZAP's Docker images, command-line interfaces, and API clients enable seamless pipeline integration without licensing concerns. Organizations can deploy multiple ZAP instances for parallel testing. Burp Suite's licensing model complicates CI/CD integration—each scanning instance requires licenses, increasing costs for parallel execution. This economic reality often drives DevOps teams toward ZAP.