I’m looking for a command-line tool that functions like Postman but operates within the terminal. Has anyone come across a utility akin to ATAC (A Terminal API Client)?
I usually interact with APIs and find graphical interface tools to be a bit cumbersome. I’m in search of a lightweight and straightforward option that I can easily use through the command line. It should ideally allow for:
Making GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE requests
Custom header configuration
Managing authentication processes
Presenting response data in a clear, readable format
If you’ve tried such a tool, I’d appreciate your insights and suggestions.
I’ve been using a tool called ‘httpYac’ for a while now, and it’s been a game-changer for my terminal-based API testing. It’s not as well-known as some others, but it’s incredibly powerful and user-friendly.
httpYac lets you create and save API requests in simple text files, which is great for version control. It handles all the standard HTTP methods, custom headers, and various auth types with ease. One feature I really love is its ability to chain requests and use variables, which is super handy for complex API workflows.
The response formatting is clean and readable out of the box, and you can even use plugins to extend its functionality. It’s been a massive time-saver for me, especially when working with microservices architectures.
If you’re looking for something that combines the ease of use of Postman with the efficiency of terminal-based tools, I’d definitely recommend giving httpYac a try. It might just become your new go-to for API testing.
I’d recommend giving cURL a shot for terminal-based API testing. It’s a powerful and versatile tool that comes pre-installed on most systems. cURL supports all major HTTP methods, custom headers, and various authentication mechanisms. While the output isn’t as prettified as some alternatives, you can pipe it through jq for better JSON formatting. One significant advantage is its ubiquity - you’ll find it on almost any machine you work on. There’s a bit of a learning curve, but once you get comfortable with the syntax, it becomes an incredibly efficient tool for API interactions.
hey zack, have u tried HTTPie? its pretty solid for terminal api testing. easy to use, handles all the request types u mentioned, and lets u set headers and auth stuff. plus it formats responses nicely. i’ve been using it for a while and its way faster than postman for me